Sergeant Joseph M. Cournoyer

Sergeant Joseph M. Cournoyer | Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
Sergeant Joseph M. Cournoyer

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Tuesday, January 29, 1985

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Joseph M. Cournoyer

Sergeant Joseph Cournoyer was shot and killed while questioning a suspect who had just robbed a store.

Sergeant Cournoyer observed one of the men board a Metro bus near the Minnesota Avenue Metro station and escorted him off of the bus for identification purposes. The suspect began to struggle with Sergeant Cournoyer and drew a gun and shot him in the chest. The suspect was sentenced to first-degree murder in August 1985. The jury took less than an hour to convict him.

Sergeant Cournoyer had been with the agency for six years and was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Convicted of First-Degree Murder

robbery

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Sgt. Joseph M. Cournoyer was one of my officials who gave his life, in the line of duty and serving his community, on Tuesday, January 29, 1985. Joe was an excellent official, someone who would help anyone, in the time of need. A man who always wore a pleasant smile and enjoyed speaking with members of the community as he went about his law enforcement duties.
On this day, the Sergeant was doing what he enjoyed, performing his sworn duties, looking out for the citizens of the Sixth District. Attempting an arrest of an armed suspect, who had robbed a local business.
I think of Sgt. Cournoyer frequently and only wish that I could have been closer, at the time of the confrontation with the criminal. That just maybe, I could have been of assistance and kept him safe and alive.
I know that Sgt. Joseph M. Cournoyer is in heaven....God bless you sir.

Retired Lieutenant Everett W. Boober
Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C. (Sixth District)

June 29, 2019

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