Detective Arthur Materka, Union City Police Department, New Jersey

Detective Arthur Materka

Union City Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Friday, January 21, 1938

Arthur Materka

Detective Arthur Materka was shot and killed while investigating a series of robberies that had occurred in Hudson County and Bergen County.

He had taken up a hidden position in the rear of a grocery store at the intersection of 21st Street and Hudson Boulevard after receiving information that the story may be robbed. A short time later a man entered and attempted to rob the store. The subject forced the store's owner to the rear of the building.

Based on a pre-arranged plan with Detective Materka, the owner dove into a sideroom as Detective Materka confronted the robber. The suspect shot at him twice with a .45 caliber handgun. Despite returning fire with his shotgun, Detective Materka was struck once in the head and killed. The suspect was later apprehended.

Detective Materka was survived by his wife and five sisters.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
Offender Apprehended

Most Recent Reflection

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My Great Grandfather was Lt. Robert Nolan. Lieutenant Robert Nolan, of the Second Precinct police, died at his home 306 Summit Avenue., Union City, shortly before midnight last night after a long illness. He was 58 years old and father of 10 children. Suffering from a chronic ailment, Lieutenant Nolan received the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church and late last night lapsed into a coma which ended in his death. Members of his family were at his bedside.

Previously he emerged from the coma yesterday and remarked feebly, "It's too bad about Artie (Detective Materka, who was slain Friday by a bandit). I'd like to be at the funeral."

L. Craig Sclafane
Friend

July 2, 2014