William J. Doolan was born on September 3, 1913 in Bayonne, New Jersey. He attended Bayonne High School and attended Drake’s Business College for one year. Before joining the New Jersey State Police, he worked as a salvage worker in Bayonne. He was also a member of the New Jersey National Guard.
Trooper Doolan enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on July 15, 1942 as a member of the 31st Class. He was stationed at Troop “B” Ramsey at the time of his death. His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the high principles of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper Doolan died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in the line of duty.

On October 21, 1944, Trooper Doolan was pulling out of a roadside fruit stand and was crossing Route 17 in Lodi, New Jersey, from west to east in order to proceed north on Route 17. He was struck on the right side by a northbound sedan.

Trooper Doolan suffered from a fractured skull and severe internal injuries. He was taken to Hackensack Hospital where he died on October 23, 1944.

He served 2 years and 3 months with the New Jersey State Police and was survived by his wife and parents. He was 31 years old.