Newport News Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch: Saturday, June 24, 1961
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 15 years, 1 month
Badge Number: 23
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: June 24, 1961
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Clarence Small and Patrolman Courtney Cook were killed in an automobile accident in the 4600 block of Jefferson Avenue while en route to raid an illegal gambling house. Their patrol car was struck by another patrol car that was responding to an unrelated call.
Patrolman Small was the first black officer hired onto the Newport News Police Department. Patrolman Small was a U.S Navy Veteran of WWII and served with the Newport News Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, and six children.