Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Giacomo was shot and killed by a subject whom he had just arrested for drunk driving.
Deputy Giacomo had brought the suspect out of the holding cell at the sheriff's department and was preparing a breathalyzer test when he paused to answer the phone. When he turned back around, the man displayed a small pistol that he had concealed in his boot. A struggle ensued, and the man shot Deputy Giacomo in the head while the deputy was pleading not to be shot. The entire incident was videotaped on the department's monitoring system.
Another deputy, Deputy Thomas Baker, entered the building several minutes after the shooting and called for assistance. Deputy Sheriff Baker would be shot and killed while responding to a domestic call on June 3rd, 2022.
Deputy Giacomo was transported to a local hospital, where he died later in the day.
The subject fled the scene and was the focus of a large manhunt by over 16 agencies. He was captured four days later and committed suicide in his jail cell, exactly two months after he murdered Deputy Giacomo.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqjnkbdzhbm2cn19d82v- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Giacomo gave the Nicholas County Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Summersville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Giacomo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nicholas County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 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 2000, 1 officer in WV was killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 2000, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2000, 73 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 28. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
William was 28. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 28. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Mondays: 16%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Nicholas County Sheriff's Department.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Nicholas County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Nicholas County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
