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Incident
Captain Bourland and Patrolman Ralph Howard were shot and killed during a shootout of several armed robbery suspects. They began to chase the car down Spiro Highway and chased them onto Towson Avenue where they ran it off the road near South Y Street. A shootout ensued and Captain Bourland, Patrolman Howard, and all three suspects were shot. One of the suspects died at the scene. Captain Bourland was shot in the head, and twice in the chest. He was pronounced dead at St. Edward Hospital. Patrolman Howard was struck in neck, chest, and both hands. He succumbed to his wounds two days later. The two surviving suspects were taken into custody. Both were sentenced to life in prison but the sentence of one of the suspects was commuted and he was paroled.
Survivors
Captain Bourland was survived by his wife, son and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Captain Bourland served with the Fort Smith Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Smith community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Bourland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fort Smith Police Department has lost 12 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 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 1931, 3 officers at Fort Smith Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 8 officers in AR were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 51. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Fort Smith Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32.5 and 48.8; the middle age was 37.5.
William was 51. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
William was 51. 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 was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 37.5% of these deaths at Fort Smith Police Department, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 25%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 12 deaths at Fort Smith Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 37.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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
Fort Smith Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, William among them.
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Michael Baer May 26, 1869
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Ernest Augustus Anthony May 13, 1904
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Patrick Andrew Carr
Apr 1, 1912
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Sam Booth
Mar 21, 1931
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William A. Bourland
Sep 2, 1931
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Ralph Howard
Sep 4, 1931
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Thomas I. Hairston
Sep 27, 1936
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Randy Monroe Basnett
Sep 24, 1976
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William Ray Tate
Jan 5, 1981
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Billy Wayne Simms
Apr 18, 1986
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Daniel C. Martinez
Mar 23, 2007
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Rick Entmeier
Jun 18, 2021
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Fort Smith Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
