BPD Remembers: On this day 104 years ago, January 22, 1920, Patrolman William G. Clancy was killed 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 and his name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial on Panel 42, West Line 12.
In Boston, a Hero Sign is posted on Main Street in Charlestown to forever honor the memory of a man who gave his life in service to his city. If you’re in the area, keep an eye out for his Hero Sign and kindly take a moment, not only to honor his sacrifice, but to remember the loved ones left in mourning after his tragic passing so many years ago.
