Police Officer William Washington, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

Police Officer William Washington

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Wednesday, January 16, 1980

William Washington

Officer Washington was shot and killed from ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance call in southwest Philadelphia. The suspect had barricaded himself in his residence after assaulting his wife and children. The suspect shot Officer Washington with a rifle from a second floor window as Washington approached the residence.

Officer Washington was engaged to be married at the time of his death.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 9 years
Badge 9614

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .30-.30
Offender Sentenced to life

ambush, barricade, domestic

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

I was a little girl when this happened. I was 7 years old and my brother was 6. We saw the whole thing. Officer Williams was on our street to protect a neighbor when this terrible act occurred. He was a very nice man and I will never forget that day or how sad we felt when we realized he died. For some reason, I remember him as Willie. I am not sure if that was his nickname or if my memory is just getting bad with age. I believe in my heart that he saved so many other people on the street that day. The shooter was a loose cannon he could have truly injured or killed so many others if Officer Washington was not on the scene.
Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice. God Rest his soul. God bless his family.

Kelly Thompson

July 29, 2015