Galveston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Friday, June 11, 1954
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 428
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 11, 1954
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Officer McGaffey was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a suspect. Officer McGaffey was eating with his family during his dinner break when he heard a call on his police radio. Although not dispatched, he responded to the scene on Avenue H. The suspect attempted to flee the house he was in through the back door. Officer McGaffey ran around the house and began to struggle with the suspect. He was pushed to the ground by the suspect then shot him twice as he lay there.
The suspect was apprehended after a shootout with other officers. He was taken to jail where he committed suicide in his cell.
Officer McGaffey had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife and two children.