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Incident
Patrolman Butler was shot and killed while he and his partner attempted to arrest two armed robbery suspects. A prostitute had informed the officers that the two men were in her place of business. When the officers arrived at the location they separated the two suspects to question them. Patrolman Butler searched the man he was guarding, but failed to locate a gun the man had concealed. As Patrolman Butler re-entered the other room the second suspect suddenly pulled a gun but Patrolman Butler shot him before the suspect could fire. The first suspect then ran back into the room and started firing at the officers with the gun he had concealed. One of the rounds struck Patrolman Butler in the side. The two suspects fled but the suspect Patrolman Butler shot died a short time later. The other suspect was apprehended in Smeltertown on April 7, 1917. He was charged with Patrolman Butler's murder and several robberies. Patrolman Butler was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son and daughter.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Butler served with the Bartlesville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bartlesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Butler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bartlesville Police Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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 1915, 1 officer at Bartlesville Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1915, 11 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
January holds 20% of these deaths at Bartlesville Police Department, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 20%.
January holds 9.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Bartlesville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 80% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% 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
Bartlesville Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Bartlesville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
