Modesto Police Department, California
End of Watch Monday, May 21, 1973
Add to My HeroesLeo Robert "Bobby" Volk, Jr.
Police Officer Bobby Volk was killed in an automobile crash during a vehicle pursuit on Yosemite Boulevard.
In the early morning hours, Officer Volk was pursuing a fugitive vehicle and a car pulled in front of him. Officer Volk, to avoid a collision, swerved and the right front tire of his patrol car deflated, causing him to lose control. The patrol car skidded into a construction site where it hit a large concrete block. The force of the collision was so severe the car was thrown into reverse, causing it to accelerate 130 feet back wards before hitting a light pole and coming to rest.
Officer Volk was pinned in the wreckage for 40 minutes before rescue crews could remove him and rush him to the hospital. During that time, he regained consciousness but was only able to say "chasing . . . orange GTO." The driver of the car was never found, and the crime he committed to cause Officer Volk to pursue him remains unknown.
At 7:30 a.m., Officer Volk died from injuries sustained in the wreck. He was the first Modesto police officer to die in the line of duty. His badge was retired from service.
Officer Volk was survived by his wife and infant son.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge 43
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsRest in peace Officer Volk.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Patrolman Joseph Barlow
McAlester Police Department, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy McCain
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith
Hermann Police Department, MO
EOW: March 12, 2023

Master Trooper James R. Bailey
Indiana State Police, IN
EOW: March 3, 2023

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: March 1, 2023

Correctional Officer Jay Miller
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: February 11, 2023

Detention Officer Kenneth Fowler
Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: February 19, 2023

Sergeant Christopher D. Fitzgerald
Temple University Police Department, PA
EOW: February 18, 2023

Police Officer Geoffrey Redd
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: February 18, 2023