Police Officer Robert E. Machate

Police Officer Robert E. Machate

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Friday, March 3, 1989

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Robert E. Machate

Police Officer Robert Machate was shot and killed while checking on an automobile.

Officer Machate and his partner stopped a vehicle that was occupied by two suspicious males. While they were questioning the males, one of the suspects was able to gain control of Officer Machate’s service weapon during a fierce struggle and shot him. The suspect fled but was later apprehended and charged with murder. He was acquitted of murder but convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Escape.

Officer Machate had served with the New York City Police Department for 2 ½ years and was assigned to the Brooklyn South Task Force Anti-Crime Unit. He is survived by his wife, who was six months pregnant at the time of this incident.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour 2 years, 6 months
  • Badge 25539

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Not available

suspicious person, suspicious vehicle

Most Recent Reflection

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I worked in FTU 11 - 72 pct, with your brother Tom. I was walking a rookie foot post on a frigid night, in 1988. You pulled up with your partner and told me to have a seat in the RMP. My face was so cold, that I could not even get out an understandable sentence. I still remember vividly, that night. It was a great to warm up for a few minutes and trying to speak with a frozen face. I was also concerned about a "shoefly", and all three of us would be in trouble. Altogether fond memories from a time when men were men. Rest well in Christ's arms brother.

PO Mike McNulty
NYPD FTU-11, 70 pct, Hwy 2

June 24, 2024

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