The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
William C. Isaac, nephew of former Lt. Albert Isaac, was appointed to the police force on May 11, 1906. Serving as a patrolman for six years, he was then appointed to the Detective Bureau then the Vice Squad.
On December 1, 1919, Sergeant Isaac and Patrolman John V. Masterson were on rounds and entered Coleman’s Saloon. As they entered, they noticed three men in the kitchen. Sgt. Isaac led the way and ordered Patrolman Masterson to search the men. As Masterson started the search, one suspect tried to slip a revolver into the sink. Isaac started toward him ordering him to turn the gun over. The gunman fired two shots, one striking Isaac, sending him staggering into Patrolman Masterson’s arms. The impact of Isaac’s weight dropped Masterson to his knees.
As Patrolman Masterson tried to rise, the three men fled. Isaac was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he died within a few minutes without regaining consciousness. Following a tip, police apprehended the suspects within an hour after the shooting.
Sergeant William C. Isaac was survived by his wife, Jessie, a son Clarence, and a daughter, Jessie, his mother, Mrs. Henrietta Taylor, two sisters, Mrs. Herbert Green and Mrs. Al Jansen, and three brothers, Elmer, Clayton and Roy, all from Cleveland.
