Rock Island Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Sunday, October 24, 1993
Add to My HeroesRichard David Shurtz
Auxiliary Captain Rick Shurtz accidentally shot and killed himself while showing another officer how Auxiliary Officer Todd Johnson was shot and killed four days earlier during a training accident.
He was providing security at a community haunted house at 4000 Black Hawk Road when he attempted the demonstration. He removed the magazine from his weapon but forgot to remove the chambered round. After he was struck by the round, he attempted to drive himself to the hospital but was involved in a vehicle crash.
He underwent surgery but died the following day as the result of an injured aorta sustained in the vehicle crash.
Auxiliary Captain Shurtz was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He had served with the Rock Island Police Department for 20 years.
Bio
- Age 46
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
- Incident Date Saturday, October 23, 1993
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsCapt. Shurtz,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 24, 2023
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