Police Officer Walter H. Stewart, Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

Police Officer Walter H. Stewart

Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Tuesday, February 19, 1952

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Walter H. Stewart

Police Officer Walter Stewart was killed when he was thrown from his police motorcycle at Washington Street and 20th Street.

Officer Stewart lost control of his motorcycle when he swerved to avoid the driver of a pickup truck who pulled out in front of him.

The 29-year-old driver fled the scene but was soon apprehended and charged with negligent homicide, reckless driving, drunk driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. He was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident and sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Shortly after this crash, the Phoenix Police Department required all motorcycle officers to wear helmets while on duty.

Officer Stewart was a United States Army Air Forces veteran of World War II and served with the Phoenix Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, son, and eleven siblings.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Sentenced to 10 days

motor officer, motorcycle crash, routine driving

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Most Recent Reflection

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Uncle Walter
Your sacrifice was great and we visit your resting place regularly.
It was not in vein however. Your nephew (my son) has started a career in the fire service at age 19 and now at 20 is working on Washington Street down from where you lost your life.
He grew up knowing your story and the story of the military service of your brothers, your father, and his grandfather and he knew he wanted to not just help others but be a first responder.
We have another little boy in our home that wants to do the same, and a girl, and you have grandchildren that are first responders as well.
It was such a tragedy to have lost you, but your name is still spoken and the spark you had to do things others fear to lives in our family still.

Lana Stewart McNicol
niece

June 10, 2025