Police Officer William Schmedding, Jr., Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer William Schmedding, Jr.

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Friday, December 31, 1971

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William Schmedding, Jr.

Officer William Schmedding was shot and killed after responding to a report of a robbery in progress at Sam's Loans at an area pawn shop at 2104 Michigan Avenue at 1:40 p.m.

Officer Schmedding interrupted three suspects who fired on him. Officer Schmedding emptied his revolver trying to return fire but was killed while trying to reload. One suspect was shot and killed, two were wounded during a shootout with responding officers.

Although the two wounded suspects were convicted, the convictions were overturned in 1981.

Officer Schmedding served with the Detroit Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and twin daughters.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 16 years
Badge 3003

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

robbery

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I remember the day Bill Schmedding was killed vividly. Officers from the 2nd Precinct on Vernor St., like myself and Bill would often meet for lunch break at the "Hotel" near the
precinct station south of Michigan Ave. On December 30th the day before Bill was killed at Sams Loan and Pawn Shop, my partner and I and several others were there for lunch. This is where I saw Bill Schmedding for the last time. It was the next day ...New Years Eve that Bill was at the Hotel just around the corner from Sam's. I was later told that Bill was at the Hotel just prior to responding to the "holdup in progress" which cost him his life. Bill was a great guy with a wonderull personality....you couldn't help but like him. Fond memories of those many years gone by (50) to be exact. It was on July 31, 1972 that we suffered another tradgic loss of a 2nd Precinct officer in the line of duty (Gil Stocker). I retired in 1992 and these are some of the painful realities of life but I do not regret because I have been in the company of such wonderul people like Bill and Gil. I am grateful to God and I am a better man today from having known them....we carry these in our hearts forever. RIP guys,,,I will see you later in the "rollcall" of eternity. Peace to all who read this.

Officer Tom Donnelly (retired)
Detroit Police Department 1967 - 1992

September 8, 2022