Trooper Joseph Edward Gearty
New Hampshire State Police
New Hampshire

End of Watch: Thursday, November 30, 1989
Cause: Automobile accident

Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available

Trooper Joseph Gearty and Trooper Gary Parker were killed when their patrol car was crushed by a load of wood which had fallen from a tractor trailer. They were transporting a prisoner when the tractor trailer lost the load of wood which fell onto the patrol car. The prisoner was also killed in the accident. Trooper Gearty succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The driver of the tractor trailer was charged with vehicular manslaughter but acquitted at trial.

Trooper Gearty was survived by his wife and 6-month-old son.

 
Photograph: Trooper Joseph Edward Gearty

Patch image: New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire

Visit Trooper Gearty's memorial at www.ODMP.org