BPD Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Patrolman William G. Clancy Killed in the Line of Duty 105 Years Ago Today

BPD Remembers: On this day 105 years ago, January 22, 1920, Patrolman William G. Clancy was killed in the line of duty when he suffered a fatal gunshot wound by an armed youth during a dance in Charlestown.

Patrolman Clancy had only worked for the Boston Police Department for two months and was a mere 24-years-old at the time of his death. Making his line of duty death ever more tragic is the fact that he left behind a grieving wife, and a two-year-old son.

Prior to joining the Boston Police Department, Patrolman Clancy joined the British Army during WWI in 1914, where he was assigned to the Canadian Regiment. When the United States entered the war, Clancy tied a small American flag to his bayonet and became the first American to carry the Stars and Stripes into the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Patrolman Clancy was laid to rest at the Ipswich Highland Cemetery in Ipswich. His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. on Panel 42, West Line 12. His name is also forever engraved on the Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Boston.

A Hero Sign has been placed in his honor on Main Street in District A-15 (Charlestown). The sign is to forever honor the memory of a man who gave his life in service to his city. If you ever find yourself in the area and you happen to see his Hero Sign, kindly take a moment to honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave man who died protecting and serving his city.