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Incident
Patrolman William Smith was shot and killed after responding to the scene of a drunk man brandishing a handgun.
He was instantly killed when he was shot in the mouth and heart. Other officers returned fire, hitting the suspect more than 20 times, killing him.
Patrolman Smith had served with the Homestead Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Smith gave the Homestead Borough Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Homestead community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Homestead Borough Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 12 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 32. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 32. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Homestead Borough Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Homestead Borough Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Homestead Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
