Patrolman Martin J. Gaffeney, Pennsylvania Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

Patrolman Martin J. Gaffeney

Pennsylvania Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Friday, March 21, 1924

Martin J. Gaffeney

Patrolman Martin Gaffeney was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary of several rail cars in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.

He was stationed in an area off of Whitehead Road where several burglaries had taken place recently. Patrolman Gaffeney came upon a lookout for the thieves and as he began to question him, the man fired three shots, striking Patrolman Gaffeney once in the heart. The suspect fled the scene with his accomplices. The incident was witnessed by a railroad employee.

The suspect died of natural causes in a New Jersey State Prison, June 20th, 1927 while serving a sentence for forgery, and while under indictment and awaiting trial for the murder of Patrolman Gaffeney.,

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location New Jersey
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Railroad Police Officers have a rough, dirty job. They work tough environs and deal with hard, dangerous people and situations, and their efforts are largely overlooked or just plain unknown to most people. I didn't know you were murdered in my home town.
My Great Grandfather was a PRR Conductor and Brakeman. Guys like you kept him safe from criminals and thugs. Thank you.
Rest in Peace.

Lt. Wayne H. Sanderson
New Jersey State Prison, Trenton

March 21, 2012