Police Officer William J. Boka
St. Louis Police Department
Missouri

End of Watch: Sunday, December 28, 1902
Cause: Struck by streetcar

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Officer Boka succumbed to injuries received three days earlier, on Christmas Day, when he was run over by a streetcar. He was attempting to board a different streetcar when he slipped an fell onto the track. The following streetcar ran over his leg, mangling it. A passing doctor administered emergency treatment and kept him from bleeding to death. He was transported to a local hospital where his leg was amputated. Despite the efforts of the doctors, Officer Boka succumbed to his injuries.

The operator of the streetcar which struck Officer Boka was charged and convicted of culpable negligence.

 
Photograph: Police Officer William J. Boka

Patch image: St. Louis Police Department, Missouri

Visit Police Officer Boka's memorial at www.ODMP.org