On June 16th, 1975, Officer Chavez was shot to death by a juvenile during a burglary of a Phoenix radiator business. Officer Chavez had entered the business after dispatchers received an anonymous tip that a burglary was in progress. The officer located the suspect and a struggle ensued. Officer Chavez was critically wounded but managed
Fallen Heroes
Officer Michael D. Hemschmeyer
On November 2nd, 1973, Officer Hemschmeyer was killed in a traffic accident while responding to another officer’s call for assistance. A sedan that had pulled over for the officer’s emergency lights was struck from behind by a garbage truck. The force of the collision threw the vehicle into the path of the approaching patrol car,
Motorcycle Officer Quincy Clay Haywood
On November 22nd, 1971, Motorcycle Officer Quincy Haywood was killed when a truck turned in front of his police motorcycle. The first officers on the scene rushed him to a nearby hospital where he died. Ironically, less than one year earlier, Officer Haywood had been following behind Officer Dale Stone who also died in a
Motorcycle Officer Dale C. Stone
On December 28th, 1970, Motorcycle Officer Dale Stone was killed while responding to the emergency call from Officer Bluhm who had been shot. Officer Stone drove through the intersection at 7th Avenue and Roosevelt and was struck by a vehicle with an impaired driver. The force of the impact caused Officer Stone to slide underneath
Officer Albert R. Bluhm
On December 28th, 1970, Officer Albert R. Bluhm was shot and killed after stopping a stolen pickup. The suspects fired upon the officer as they hid in the camper shell of the truck. Officer Bluhm was struck three times and died of his wounds while attempting to radio his position to the dispatcher. A citizen
Motorcycle Officer Walter H. Stewart
On February 19th, 1952, Motorcycle Officer Walter Stewart was killed when a truck turned in front of his police motorcycle and he swerved to avoid a collision. The motorcycle overturned and Officer Stewart died of head injuries. The driver fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with negligent homicide. Soon after this accident,
Officer Haze Burch
On February 5th, 1925, Officer Haze Burch became the first Phoenix Police Officer killed in the line of duty. Officer Burch was shot by two men attempting to siphon gasoline from a car. Officer Burch died the following day. The assailants were later identified as two fugitives from Oklahoma wanted in the murder of a