Grand Rapids Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Thursday, December 12, 1974
Add to My HeroesHerman Reinhold Gloe
Police Officer Herman Gloe was shot and killed after responding to a burglary alarm at a jewelry store on Pearl Street, NW.
When he arrived at the scene he discovered that the front door had been forced open and he entered the store to investigate. He encountered a man with a .22 caliber handgun and exchanged shots. Both men were struck and Officer Gloe was mortally wounded. Another officer arrived at the scene and ordered the man to drop the gun and then shot the suspect when he refused to drop the gun.
The suspect fled the store but died from his wounds a short time later.
Officer Gloe was a W.S Navy veteran and was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsI was in Union High school when Officer Gloe was shot downtown. I became a Deputy Sheriff and was told by the “Old Guys “ that the ally lights on our overheads were put on after he was shot. They were called “Gloe Lights “ in Honor of him. We never had to use our flashlights to determine if a window or glass door was broken. I finally retired in 2015 as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer (32 years) and have NEVER forgot what the “Old Guys “ said!!! Officer Gloe is in the arms of our Lord and Savior….may your family now know what “Ally Lights” are and how they came to be in West Michigan. God Bless your family….sorry it took me a Lifetime to write this!!!
Kevin
Federal Law Enforcement Officer
October 12, 2022
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