Patrolman Maurice J. Vonck

Patrolman Maurice J. Vonck

Oregon Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Friday, January 29, 1965

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Maurice J. Vonck

Patrolman Vonck was accidentally shot and killed when a gun fell from his pocket and discharged.

Officer Vonck and his partner had been working plainclothes on an investigation of the $1200 robbery the Sunday night before of a local store owner. They had just returned to their unmarked car when Patrolman Vonck said he thought he had dropped some money on the floor of the back seat. Patrolman Vonck plugged an emergency light into the cigar lighter, got out of the car, and bent over to shine the light on the floor in the rear of the car. As he did, a two-shot derringer fell from his shirt pocket. The small weapon did not have a trigger guard and discharged when it hit the curb. Patrolman Vonck died the next day at St. Vincent's Hospital.

Patrolman Vonck was a U.S. Navy veteran who served with the Oregon Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
  • Incident Date Thursday, January 28, 1965

accidental discharge

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Maurice J. Vonck of the Oregon Police Department, Ohio and the additional 81 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 28, 2024

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