Officer Down Memorial Page - http://www.odmp.org

Night Policeman Willis T.
Greer Police Department, South Carolina

Night Policeman

Willis T. "Zonk" Foster

Greer Police Department, South Carolina

End of Watch: Saturday, July 2, 1904

Biographical Info

Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 2, 1904
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Acquitted

Night Policeman Zonk Foster was shot and killed while in a foot pursuit with bootleggers through a wooded area near the old Wayside Inn.

He had observed the man duck into the wooded area and, believing the man had liquor hidden nearby, started to follow him. He was ambushed by the man and shot twice.

Three men were charged with his murder but were acquitted at trial.

Policeman Foster had served with the Greer Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife and three children.