South Plainfield Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Friday, January 21, 1972
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 23
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 21, 1972
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Committed
Patrolman Conklin was shot and killed while assisting a local rescue squad transport a mentally ill patient. The patient, who was being restrained with wrist straps, was able to break free and ripped Patrolman Conklin's service weapon from its holster. He then shot Patrolman Conklin twice, killing him. The 22-year-old suspect was committed to a mental institution.
Patrolman Conklin had been with the South Plainfield Police Department for just over 5 years and was survived by his fiancée, parents, and two sisters.