Patrolman Kenneth W. "Red" Vandergrift

Kenneth W. "Red" Vandergrift

Patrolman Vandergrift was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance at an apartment on Chamber Street. When he arrived on the scene he was met by the wife and son of the suspect. After speaking with them they began to take him upstairs to the apartment. As they climbed the stairs Patrolman Vandergrift stepped in front of the wife. As he attempted to ascend to the third floor the suspect opened fire with a rifle, striking Patrolman Vandergrift.

Patrolman Vandergrift was able to move to a safe location and was then taken by neighbors to Warren Hospital. He died in the hospital three days later. The suspect committed suicide after shooting Patrolman Vandergrift.

On November 20, 2003, Patrolman Vandergrift's was posthumously awarded the agency's Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to his 80-year-old daughter. On July 23, 2004, a bridge in Phillipsburg was dedicated the Kenneth "Red" Vandergrift Bridge.

Patrolman Vandergrift was survived by his wife and 7-year-old daughter.