Prev
Incident
Patrolman William Brown was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery in progress at the Certified Oil Station on Cole Street and Robb Avenue while on patrol. When he entered the gas station, he asked the attendant if everything was okay. The attendant, who had been told by the suspect to cooperate, responded that everything was fine. Patrolman Brown then asked the suspect to remove the covering from his face. The man suddenly produced a gun and opened fire, striking Patrolman Brown four times. Patrolman Brown was able to fire one round as he fell. He then crawled to his patrol car and called for assistance before succumbing to his wounds. The suspect and his accomplice, both 18, fled the store, but both were eventually apprehended. On January 11, 1975, the gunman was sentenced to life in prison. He has a parole hearing on February 1, 2024. His accomplice was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and robbery and sentenced to two consecutive 7 to 25-year prison terms. Patrolman Brown had served with the Lima Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, five sons, and his mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqnn2js466qgc15ef3z6- 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.
Patrolman Brown gave the Lima Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lima community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Brown.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lima Police Department has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 1 officer at Lima Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1951, with 2.
In 1974, 6 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 41. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Lima Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 42; the middle age was 41. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 41. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 41. 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 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 41. 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 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 20% of these deaths at Lima Police Department; December holds the most, 40%. Saturdays: 20%.
January holds 9.1% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 17%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Lima Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 60% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% 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.
His people
Lima Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lima Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
