Spokane County Sheriff's Department, Washington
End of Watch Sunday, August 13, 1961
Add to My HeroesJoseph M. O'Connor
Deputy Joseph O'Connor was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic three miles east of Spokane at 0430 hours. The drunk driver entered the accident scene at a high rate of speed and struck Deputy O'Connor, throwing him 300 feet and killing him instantly. The suspect was apprehended and convicted of negligent homicide.
Deputy O'Connor had served with the agency for 1 year. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Guilty of negligent homicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsHi Dad,
I hate being an orphan and I can't come to your page here and read the reflections without crying like a baby. It seems the older I get the more I miss you and the deeper I mourn. So many officers have been killed in the line of duty since your end of watch 8/13/1961. It is a senseless world filled with terror and evil. School shootings, police officers being killed for sport. There is little respect for the officers who are willing to die to protect us. Juli, Joe and I will always be proud that you are our Dad. We also will stand proud for the Blue and all their families who mourn the loss of their family members. It is really hard for me to believe I am now 65 and I was only 7 when you were taken from us. Your kids love and honor you.
Daughter Roxanne O'Connor
January 2, 2020
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