The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Patrolman Walter C. Chapman was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on June 19, 1886 and was a well-liked officer. On June 19, 1911, Patrolman Chapman had completed 25 years of service as a Cleveland Policeman. Although eligible for retirement, he never gave a hint to fellow officers that he was considering retirement. Chapman was assigned to the Fifth Precinct but had been recently transferred to the Third Precinct to work strike duty for the garment worker’s strike.
On August 22, 1911, Patrolmen Walter Chapman was assigned to patrol Decatur Alley in an effort to protect the women employed at nearby cloak factories from harm at the hands of strike sympathizers. At 9:55 pm, fellow officers heard two shots and, upon rushing to the scene, discovered Chapman’s body. He had been shot in the back and the bullet pierced his heart. Conditions at the scene indicated that Chapman had been taken completely by surprise and had been shot down before he could draw his weapon.
Patrolman Walter C. Chapman was buried on Saturday, August 26, 1911. Services were held at his late residence, 2321 E. 89th Street, Cleveland. Internment was at Lake View Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Emma.
