Fallen Heroes

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

In Stamford, four officers have died in the line of duty. Take the time to read about them, how they made the ultimate sacrifice and the families they left behind.

Officer George D. KelleyOfficer George D. Kelley July 8, 1938
Officer William M. McNamaraOfficer William M. McNamara Dec. 18, 1973
Officer Andrew Louis SchlechtwegOfficer Andrew Louis Schlechtweg May 26, 1938
Officer David D. TroyOfficer David D. Troy July 7, 1960

Every May 15th the Stamford Police Department holds a Memorial Service honoring Officers killed in the line of duty. We will be honoring Stamford Officers as well as Officers from neighboring towns. Show your respect and appreciation for these Police Officers and to their families by joining us in honoring them. (Call ahead for event time and location, 977-4444).

Facts About Law Enforcement Fatalities

The leading cause of law enforcement fatalities during the past century was, by far, by firearms. Nearly 7,000 officers were shot to death, accounting for about 49% of all law enforcement fatalities over the past 100 years.

During the early part of the past century, the second leading cause of police deaths were motorcycle accidents. As law enforcement began to increasingly rely more and more on the automobile, motorcycle deaths declined, during the latter half of the century.

Prior to 1973, (Officer McNamara's death), a Stamford Police Officer's uniform had only one patch on one sleeve. A second patch was added to the other sleeve after this tragic incident thus making the police officer more identifiable in his uniform.