New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife, New Jersey
End of Watch: Friday, November 16, 1951
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Drowned
Date of Incident: November 16, 1951
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Warden David Brocker was killed while investigating illegal trapping at Split Rock Reservoir in Morris County with two other wardens. Warden Brocker had dropped off the other two wardens at a small island and continued paddling in their canoe.
A short time later the other two wardens heard a gunshot and then a splash into the water. When Warden Brocker failed to return at the agreed upon time the two wardens swam to shore and then walked to a home to call for assistance.
Warden Brocker's canoe was found with blood inside of it. Despite a massive search of the reservoir, his body was not found until the following spring after the ice melted.
Warden Brocker had served with the agency for 10 years.