Penn Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Sunday, May 19, 1974
Add to My HeroesWilliam Reed Templin
Patrolman William Templin was shot and killed while he and his partner patrolled the company's yards in Chicago, Illinois.
Patrolman Templin, who was an unarmed probationary officer, had been separated from his partner by a passing train as they checked rail cars at 71st Street and the Chicago Skyway. He was attacked by a radical racist group and shot execution style.
One of the suspects was later shot and killed by other officers. The other two suspects were convicted, served jail time and have since been released.
Patrolman Templin had served with the Penn Central Railroad Police Department for only three weeks.
The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers around the country. They were also responsible for violent attacks around the country that left many police officers wounded.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 3 weeks
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Illinois
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsToday marks the 51st anniversary of your vicious murder at the hands of cowards. You are a hero, they, not at all and I can only hope they face true justice, if not in this world, then in the next.
Thank you for your 3 short weeks, it's terribly sad that you never got to prove how good a cop you could be.
God Bless you and may your eternal rest remain peaceful.
Officer Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department (Retired)
May 19, 2025
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