Sergeant John S. Macaulay, San Francisco Police Department, California

Sergeant John S. Macaulay

San Francisco Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, July 16, 1982

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John S. Macaulay

Sergeant John Macaulay succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained 10 days earlier when he was shot by a robbery suspect near the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and Willow Alley.

Sergeant Macaulay noticed a vehicle that was wanted in connection with an armed robbery of a supermarket that occurred the previous week. Sergeant Macaulay stopped the vehicle and walked towards it. The suspect attempted to draw a Walther P38 pistol from a briefcase that he had in his stolen car. Sergeant Macaulay attempted to restrain the suspect by putting him in a headlock. The suspect then drew a .38 caliber pistol from his waistband and shot Sergeant Macaulay, mortally wounding him.

The suspect fled to a local hotel where he fatally shot his wife and then committed suicide.

Sergeant Macaulay had served with the San Francisco Police Department for 11 years, and was one of their most decorated officers. He had received three Medal of Valor awards, five Police Commissioner awards, and over 100 Captain's Commendations.

He is survived by nine siblings.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 11 years
Badge 430

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Tuesday, July 6, 1982
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Committed suicide

suspicious vehicle

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Most Recent Reflection

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I walked by the Sergeant John Macaulay Park today. Children and mothers relaxed in the Saturday afternoon Spring sun.

"Who is the park named after?" I thought to myself. "I'll look it up later.

On this Saturday evening, I say a little prayer for this courageous man for whom the park is named, the park virtually at the spot of the Officer's passing.

May his memory always be a blessing.

Rebekah Curiel-Alessi
Fellow San Franciscan

April 6, 2025