Brunswick Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch Tuesday, June 29, 1909
Add to My HeroesWilliam E. Orrison, Jr.
Policeman William Orrison was attacked and beaten to death by a group of people after he arrested a 15-year-old boy at the park for stealing rides on a merry-go-round.
Policeman Orrison was on his way to the magistrate's office and had to walk past the boy's home. As they did so he was attacked by a dozen of the boy's friends and family. As he was being hit and kicked, one of the attackers jerked his nightstick from his hand and dealt him a terrific blow on the side of his head. As he fell to the ground the crowd disappeared. Policeman Orrison died without regaining consciousness.
The suspect who struck Policeman Orrison with his nightstick was identified, arrested, and charged with manslaughter. At his trial, the suspect's attorney acknowledged that his client struck the officer but argued that others struck him also, and they could have caused his death. The jury found him not guilty.
Policeman Orrison was survived by his wife and several children.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Weapon Officer's nightstick
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that no passage of time will ever erase your sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
June 29, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: August 29, 2023

Sheriff Robert Daniel Rodgers
Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 29, 2023

Special Agent Robert C. Castioni, Jr.
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: July 24, 2023