Nassau County Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Sunday, May 29, 1977
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 1300
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: May 29, 1977
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Patrolman Michael Kavanagh was struck and killed by a vehicle fleeing officers on the Southern State Parkway.
The subject was traveling east in the westbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway, attempting to elude police. Patrolman Kavanagh was diverting traffic at Newbridge Road when the suspect vehicle struck him.
Patrolman Kavanagh had served with the Nassau County Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart for his actions.