End of Watch Wednesday, May 30, 1883
On May 30, 1883, a fire erupted in a building on Main Street. Officer William Halsey Gouldman, who was also a volunteer firefighter, responded to the fire. Gouldman, along with four other men, lost his life that day.
Hundreds of people attended the funeral and the city declared a day of mourning. The procession was said to be one mile long. It was the first time in the history of the Lynchburg Police Department that we lost an officer in the line of duty. It started our tradition of shrouding our badges as a sign of mourning.
End of Watch Saturday, May 19, 1906
Officer Wiley C. Metts succumbed to injuries sustained when he fell 40-feet onto railroad tracks near Rivermont Bridge. He was chasing a suspect at the time of the fall.
End of Watch Saturday, March 27, 1920
Det. Arthur L. Mann and Det. Wheeler attempted to arrest a man carrying a concealed handgun on 8th and Main Streets. The man fought the officers and shot both officers, killing Mann, and wounding Wheeler.
Chief Seay of LPD told reporters that he never had a better officer under him at any time, one so honest, hardworking, and diligent.
End of Watch Wednesday, October 10, 1933
Officer George M. Ware was fatally shot in the line of duty on October 10, 1933, while investigating a domestic assault. The shooting took place at 12th and Taylor Streets. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested by LPD officers. Ware was ten days shy of 24 years of service to the City of Lynchburg and he was highly respected.