William Wickman  End of Watch: August 9, 1925

At 1:30 AM on August 9, 1925, Tacoma Motorcycle Officer William Wickman was in pursuit of a speeding car that was northbound in the 6800 block of Union Avenue (now called South Tacoma Way).  At the same time, Mrs. Edward Schultz was driving a Ford Coupe southbound on Union Avenue.

Mrs. Schultz made a left turn at 68th Street and Union Avenue in front of Officer Wickman.  The police motorcycle struck the passenger side of the Schultz car, throwing Officer Wickman onto the hood of the automobile where he struck the windshield frame with his head.  Schultz said that she saw the motorcycle laying on the ground as she ran to a gas station for help, but did not see Officer Wickman.  Another motorist, Mr. D.G. Bowlus, saw Officer Wickman’s body and flagged down a passing car.  They loaded Officer Wickman into the car and drove him to Tacoma General Hospital where Officer Wickman was pronounced dead on arrival.

On August 10, 1925, just one day after the accident, a coroner's jury absolved Mrs. Schultz of all responsibility in the death of Officer Wickman.

Officer William Wickman, 30, joined the Tacoma Police Department in October 1924 and served as a relief patrolman and prowl car Officer before being assigned to motorcycles.  He was survived by his wife Georgia and two young daughters, Louise and Delores.

Gone But Not Forgotten