United States of America
Headstone of William F. Madden
U.S. Army · United States United States

William F. Madden

Died January 30, 1919

William F. Madden served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Constable William Madden was shot and killed while he and another officer were transporting five suspects to a nearby fire station. The officers had caught the five men burglarizing a textile factory and arrested them. Because they were both foot patrol officers they had the men drive themselves to a nearby fire station as the two officer rode on the running boards. During the drive one of the men in the back seat produced a revolver and shot Constable Madden twice, knocking him from the car. The other officer jumped off of the running board at the same time. Although wounded, Constable Madden fired five shots at the vehicle, striking it four times, but did not wound any of the suspects. One of the suspects was arrested that night after a police chase in Hartford, Connecticut. Two others were arrested several days later in New Jersey and the other two, including the suspect who shot Constable Madden, fled the country. The suspects were committing the robbery in order to obtain money to bail out two brothers who were in jail in New Jersey for the murder of Patrolman William Gudehus, of the Hoboken Police Department, on October 10, 1918. The gang was also suspected of being involved with the murders of an unidentified railroad detective and an unidentified night watchman in New Jersey. Constable Madden was a U.S. Army veteran of the Spanish-American War veteran and had served with the Manchester Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter. His second daughter was born two days after his funeral.

Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter.
Media
William F. Madden
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Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Manchester Police Department
Constable
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 52-E · Line 18 cut as WILLIAM F MADDEN
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Constable Madden gave the Manchester Police Department 11 years.

Thank you for your service to the Manchester community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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