Avoca Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Tuesday, May 27, 1986
Add to My HeroesRichard Gordon Janczewski
Patrolman Rich Janczewski was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in the woods near the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport. As he approached the vehicle, a man emerged from the woods. Patrolman Janczewski asked the man for identification. The man went to his car, produced a handgun, and began firing at Patrolman Janczewski.
Patrolman Janczewski was struck once in the chest but, before collapsing, returned fire and wounded the suspect once. The suspect then walked over to Patrolman Janczewski and shot him in the head. The suspect then committed suicide.
Patrolman Janczewski had served with the Avoca Borough Police Department for three months. He was survived by his wife and mother.
Bio
- Age 23
- Tour 3 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .44 caliber
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsPatrolman Janczewski is always forever a hero in our hearts & souls. He’ll never will be forgotten no matter what. Going beyond his calling and profession. He always nonstop going to the highest lengths of honor, service, integrity, and so much more within Law Enforcement. We cannot ever thank you enough for everything you’ve done for our communities, counties, state, country, and more. Rest peacefully Patrolman Janczewski, God Bless!
Anonymous
Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth
May 9, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer William Kasberg
San Antonio Police Department, TX
EOW: December 10, 2024
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza
Terrell Police Department, TX
EOW: December 9, 2024
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024