Lieutenant Kenneth Dechen

Lieutenant Kenneth Dechen

West Deptford Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Wednesday, October 18, 2000

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Kenneth Dechen

Lieutenant Dechen was killed after he was accidentally shot while cleaning his department-issued pistol.

The officer had just completed his department's semi-annual qualifications and was cleaning his .40 caliber Sig Sauer when the weapon discharged. He was shot in the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital where he died approximately one hour later.
Lieutenant Dechen had been employed with the West Deptford Police Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and three teen-age children.

Bio

  • Age 44
  • Tour 23 years
  • Badge 48

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

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Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 8, 2020

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