Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Tuesday, October 8, 1918
Add to My HeroesWilliam F. Wood
Police Officer William Wood died as a result of complications of influenza while in the performance of his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.
Due to the devastation of the Influenza Epidemic, Philadelphia Police districts were used as makeshift hospitals. Police officers were ordered to fill and deliver prescriptions, act as pallbearers of victims, placard homes, collect bodies of victims out of their homes, assist doctors and health officers, and make sure establishments were closed and following guidelines to stop the spread of the flu.
Police Officer Wood served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 16 months and was assigned to the 17th Police District. He was survived by his mother.
Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement
From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.
The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 1 year, 4 months
- Badge 1769
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Tuesday, October 1, 1918
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsOfficer Wood,
On today, the 106th anniversary of your death I wouould just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
October 8, 2024
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