Hero: William Padgett

In memory of Officer William H. Padgett

Chester Police Officer William H. Padgett, described as performing an act of mercy, died instantly from a gunshot wound in the early hours of Aug. 28, 1917. The shooting apparently occurred after Padgett ordered a man he believed to be "demented" off the streets. Seeing the same man a short time later, Padgett approached him and again tried to persuade him to go home. The officer was within feet of the man - John J.Wood - when he
whipped out a gun and fired off four shots.