The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our fallen officers on the anniversary of their end of watch.
William G. Borgman was appointed a Patrolman on April 4, 1919 and served as a Traffic Officer at the corner of East 14th and Euclid Avenue for five years.
While performing his regular traffic duties, Patrolman Borgman was shot and killed when he responded to the sounds of gunfire coming from a store at the corner of East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Borgman, a detective had been stationed at the store following a series of robberies. An armed man entered the store and, when confronted by the detective, began to struggle and opened fire. When Patrolman Borgman arrived he ordered the men to stop firing, but the suspect in turn fired at Patrolman Borgman, striking him in the chest. The suspect was struck five times and killed. The detective was shot in the leg and wounded.
Officer Borgman was survived by his wife Jean H. Borgman. Services were held at Wade Park Methodist Church and he was laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery.
A Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial said of Officer Borgman “Men like Officer Borgman leave the community indebted to their memory. Their courage and alertness make Cleveland a better city.”
