Union City Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Friday, January 21, 1938
Add to My HeroesArthur 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 store 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. He was a World War I hero.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsMy 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
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Garrett Crumby
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: March 28, 2023

Corporal Scotty Canezaro
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023

Sergeant David Poirrier
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023

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