The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversaries of their End of Watch.
William Shapiro was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on October 17, 1969, following several years as a civilian employee for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
After assignments in the Third and Fifth Police Districts, Bill was transferred to the Task Force which specialized in the apprehension of violent criminals. Bill’s conversational skills and quick wit proved to be assets when, on several occasions, he was able to talk armed, barricaded offenders into peacefully surrendering. It was Bill’s sense of humor that endeared him to all of his fellow officers. Just talking to Bill could pick up your spirits when you felt down.
On April 26, 1974 Patrolmen Shapiro and Bill Salupo received a call of a male shooting at passing cars on Fairhill Road. The suspect was spotted running behind some bushes in the vicinity of the Baldwin Reservoir. Officer Salupo signaled Officer Shapiro of the suspect’s presence. A shot was heard and Shapiro called to his partner. Patrolman William Shapiro was mortally wounded in the neck by a shotgun blast.
Officer Shapiro was survived by his wife Sandra, children William, David, Stephanie and Chanin, his parents and one brother. Services were held at the Church of the Ascension and he was laid to rest in Lakewood Park Cemetery.
