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Incident
Chief Bishop was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man suspected of stealing war bonds. He was shot as he walked into a cafe where the man had been located. The suspect was a parolee from the California Department of Corrections. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. In 1944 the Louisiana Supreme Court reversed the sentence. Chief Bishop was served 21 years as a law enforcement officer.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.
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
21 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Bishop gave the Oakdale Police Department 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Oakdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Bishop.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Oakdale Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 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 1943, 2 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1943, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1943, 86 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 50. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. William had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
William was 50. 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 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 50. 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 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.3% of these deaths in LA, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Oakdale Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Oakdale Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Oakdale Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
