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Incident
Patrolman Lewis Ammerman died as a result of contracting pneumonia two weeks earlier while securing the scene of a live wire down in South Wilkes-Barre.
While at the scene he was exposed to a heavy rainstorm without any protection from the rain and in an open area where he could not take shelter. He stood guard over the live wire until it was safely removed over three hours later. Patrolman Ammerman continued to work until he became sick on duty and was ordered to go home to rest by his sergeant. His condition grew worse and he developed pneumonia and died two weeks later.
Patrolman Ammerman served with the Wilkes-Barre Police Department for seven months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Ammerman served with the Wilkes-Barre Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Wilkes-Barre community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ammerman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Illness
Wilkes-Barre Police Department has lost 6 officers; 3 of them lost to illness.
William is one of 121 officers lost to illness in PA, 9.6% of the 1,262 remembered there.
William is one of 2,028 officers lost to illness in the United States, 7.4% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 2,979 officers lost to illness worldwide, 8.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1909, 1 officer in PA was lost to illness, the 6th heaviest of 17 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 66.
In 1909, 1 officer in the United States was lost to illness, the 75th heaviest of 108 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 564.
In 1909, 10 officers worldwide were lost to illness, the 44th heaviest of 197 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 566.
Who
William was 30. Of the 121 lost to illness in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 50; the middle age was 39. William had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 9.4 years.
William was 30. Of the 1,996 lost to illness in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 42 and 58; the middle age was 51. William had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
William was 30. Of the 2,916 lost to illness worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 56; the middle age was 49. William had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
When
November holds 9.9% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 49.6%. Tuesdays: 17.4%.
November holds 7.8% of these deaths in the United States; October holds the most, 14.9%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
November holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; October holds the most, 12.6%. Tuesdays: 13.8%.
How
Illness deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 9.6% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 7.4% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 8.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 3rd most common cause.
His people
Wilkes-Barre Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Wilkes-Barre Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
