Patrolman Joseph Francis Gaetano, Pittsburgh Police Department, Pennsylvania

Patrolman Joseph Francis Gaetano

Pittsburgh Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Friday, June 10, 1966

Joseph Francis Gaetano

Patrolman Joseph Gaetano was shot and killed by a prisoner who gained control of his service revolver in the elevator of the Public Safety Building while transporting him from the Identification Section to the Number 1 cell block. The suspect was captured 90 minutes later.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life on March 17, 1968. As he was being transported from the Allegheny Jail to Western Penitentiary his wife slipped him a sawed-off shotgun. As officers subdued him the gun discharged, wounding a guard. On April 15, 1969, he received an additional 8 to 17 years for attempted escape.

Patrolman Gaetano had served with the agency for 12 years.

Bio

Age 36
Tour 11 years, 11 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

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Most Recent Reflection

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Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015