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Incident
Policeman Prinslow was shot and killed while attempting to apprehended three suspects who had just robbed a mail carrier. Policeman Prinslow was walking to work in uniform, and unarmed, when the three men attempted to rob the mail carrier and fired a shot at the victim. Policeman Prinslow, hearing the shot, went to investigate and ordered the men to stop. One of the men opened fire with a .44 caliber handgun, mortally wounding Policeman Prinslow. Policeman Prinslow was taken home where he died the following day. Three suspects were arrested and charged with murder but were later released when it was determined that they had nothing to do with the murder. No other suspects were ever identified.
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
128 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Prinslow gave the Fond du Lac Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Fond du Lac community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fond du Lac Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 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 1898, 1 officer in WI was killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1898, 89 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1898, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 39. Of the 141 killed feloniously in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 38. William had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6.2 years.
William was 39. 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 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 39. 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 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 11.9% of these deaths in WI, more than any other month. Saturdays: 25.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Fond du Lac Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.5% 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
Fond du Lac Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Fond du Lac Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
