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Incident
Patrolman Willie Heath was shot and killed while responding to a burglary at the post office.
A watchman for the town's trolley system noticed a light on inside of the general store where the post office was located and notified Patrolman Heath. The two returned to the location and encountered two men standing between the store and an adjacent building. One of the men opened fire on Patrolman Heath and the watchman.
Patrolman Heath, who was armed only with his club, immediately rushed towards the men but was struck in the chest by a second shot. The two men ran from the scene and it is unknown if they were ever arrested.
Patrolman Heath had previously served as the Salisbury police chief.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Heath served with the Salisbury Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Salisbury community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Heath.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Willie is the only officer of Salisbury Police Department remembered here.
Willie is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Willie is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Willie is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1913, 1 officer in MA was killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1913, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1913, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Willie was 56. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42.
Willie was 56. 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.
Willie was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 10.6% of these deaths in MA, more than any other month. Thursdays: 13.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Salisbury Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.5% 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; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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