Phoenix Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch Friday, November 2, 1973
Add to My HeroesMichael D. Hemschmeyer
Officer Michael Hemschmeyer was killed in a traffic crash while responding to another officer’s call for assistance around 2 p.m.
A sedan that had pulled over for the officer’s emergency lights was struck from behind by a five-ton city garbage truck at 19th Avenue and the Salt River Bottom in Phoenix. The force of the collision threw the truck into the path of the approaching patrol car, killing Officer Hemschmeyer.
Officer Hemschmeyer was a United States Navy Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Phoenix Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 1845
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsDear, dear Mike, I hope you’re in a good place. You were my best friend since grade school, fellow seminary student, fellow Jesuit novice, fellow UW-M student, USN, and my best man. You left a big hole in my heart but I thank God for the time we had. God must have needed you more than your family and friends did. RIP, Mike.
David J de Harter, LCDR, MC, USN
Best friend Wisconsin
January 16, 2024
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