Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Wednesday, October 16, 1918
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 2 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by train
Date of Incident: October 16, 1918
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Joseph Jurcak was struck and killed by a switch engine at the Pennsylvania Railroad crossing on 12th Street while making his rounds.
He had checked in by pulling on a callbox at 15th Street and Ash Street at 12:56 am, but failed to check in again at 2:00 am. His body was located by a railroad worker at approximately 5:30 am. It is believed that he accidentally stepped in front of the switch engine, which was following a train leaving the rail yards.
Patrolman Jurcak served with the Erie Police Department for two years and was survived by his wife, mother, and brother.