Patrolman William W. Lewis

William W. Lewis

Patrolman William Lewis died as a result of complications from influenza during an outbreak at headquarters while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

Patrolman Lewis was a United States Navy veteran and served with the New York City Police Department for three years, assigned to Special Squad 2 in Brooklyn. Patrolman Lewis was survived by his wife, a child, his mother, and a sister.

Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement

From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Spanish Flu memorial listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.