Patrolman William Holmes

Patrolman William Holmes

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Wednesday, December 24, 1924

Add to My Heroes

William Holmes

Patrolman William Holmes was shot and killed near the intersection of 37th Street and Indiana Avenue while walking his beat with his partner on Christmas Eve.

He was searching for two gunmen who had just robbed a citizen. When Patrolman Holmes spotted the armed offenders on the street, he attempted to place them under arrest. One gunman resisted, displayed a revolver, and fired. Patrolman Homes was struck and mortally wounded, and his partner was also wounded. Other officers responded and killed the first suspect. However, the second suspect escaped.

On June 22nd, 1925, a man who had been involved in the murders of Lieutenant David Dunigan and Officer John Conrad of the Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia, and Deputy Sheriff Lawrence McParlin of the Charles County Sheriff's Office, Maryland, was hanged. Before being executed the man claimed to have committed 12 murders, including that of a policeman in Chicago, possibly Patrolman Holmes.

Patrolman Holmes had served with the Chicago Police Department for over 11 years, assigned to 2A District. He was survived by his wife.

He is buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois.

Bio

  • Age 42
  • Tour 11 years, 6 months
  • Badge 4042

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Revolver
  • Offender Not available

foot pursuit, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

Knowing today that your assailant took the lives of three other brave LEO’s before his ultimate capture, I reiterate my previous reflection and say that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement family regardless of the time passed. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 21, 2021

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.