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Incident
Deputy Sheriff George Bills was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a fleeing suspect who was aboard a train that stopped in Palmer. Deputy Bills and Officer Charles B. Thomas received word that a person suspected of shooting Springfield, Massachusetts, Police Lieutenant James Daly had boarded a train bound for Palmer. When the officers arrived at the train station they located the suspect on the train. When they approached the suspect he attempted to flee, shooting Officer Thomas once in the leg and Deputy Bills three times in the abdomen as he ran. Officer Thomas fired two shots at the suspect, striking him. The suspect was taken into custody, despite their injuries, with the help of passengers. Deputy Bills was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries later that day. Officer Thomas was treated but survived and went on to become Deputy Chief of the agency. The Springfield officer, Lieutenant Daly, also survived his injuries. The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life on May 10, 1920. He was pardoned by Governor James Curley on December 25, 1936. It was later discovered the suspect's father paid a member of the governor's council 1500 dollars to recommend the pardon. He along with a state representative, who tried to cover up the bribe, were impeached and found guilty of perjury. Deputy Bills had served in law enforcement for 22 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, sister, and two nephews.
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
22 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Bills gave the Palmer Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Palmer community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Bills.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
George is the only officer of Palmer Police Department remembered here.
George is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1919, 5 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 72. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. George had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
George was 72. 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. George had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 72. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 10.6% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Palmer Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 27.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Palmer Police Department are honored on badge.nw.