Denver Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 11, 1953
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 11, 1953
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman William Claassen was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a burglary-in-progress at a local pharmacy.
When they entered the store the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Patrolman Claassen. Both officers were able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Patrolman Claassen was a U.S. Navy veteran. He is buried at Fairmont Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.