Officer James E. Maroney, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer James E. Maroney

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Friday, May 27, 1955

James E. Maroney

Officer James Maroney was shot and killed while assisting Modoc County deputies arrest an ex-convict.

Two days earlier the suspect had been released from the Oregon State Penitentiary where he had served a sentence for rape. When his victim reported that he was at her home, Officer Maroney responded there with deputies. As officers approached, the suspect opened fire with a rifle. Officer Maroney ducked behind a power pole, but was hit by a bullet that went through the pole, killing him instantly. The suspect then shot and killed himself.

Officer Maroney was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 33
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Committed suicide

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Officer Maroney … Jim. It is now 61 years to the day. You are not forgotten. Twelve days ago we remembered you by name in a ceremony in our county. Your Sheriff was there with us as an escort for the riderless horse as we took to the grave a tombstone for one of ours who was until now forgotten. I won’t make it to your grave before next week, but I remember. Who you were, who you are, still matters. The life taken from you still matters. And the lives you left behind still matter.

Chuck Poré
Deputy Sheriff

May 28, 2016