Patrolman Richard E. Pelkey, Lake Placid Police Department, New York

Patrolman Richard E. Pelkey

Lake Placid Police Department, New York

End of Watch Thursday, August 12, 1954

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Richard E. Pelkey

Patrolman Richard Pelkey succumbed to wounds he received when he was shot in a standoff with a burglar at a cabin in Lake Placid, New York, on August 5, 1954.

He and other officers had cornered a wanted burglar who was an AWOL Air Force major. The suspect, hiding in a shower stall, opened fire and struck three officers. Officer Pelkey suffered a fatal wound and died a week later.

The suspect was later caught in Reno, Nevada. He was convicted of second-degree murder but only served fourteen years in prison. The man was later killed in an automobile crash in 1970.

Patrolman Pelkey had served with the Lake Placid Police Department for eight years and had previously served for five years with the Quartermaster Corps during WWII. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, August 5, 1954
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Released after 14 years

burglary

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Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman Pelkey,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 12, 2024