Lieutenant Kenneth Dechen, West Deptford Police Department, New Jersey

Lieutenant Kenneth Dechen

West Deptford Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Wednesday, October 18, 2000

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Kenneth Dechen

Lieutenant Dechen was killed after he was accidentally shot while cleaning his department-issued pistol.

The officer had just completed his department's semi-annual qualifications and was cleaning his .40 caliber Sig Sauer when the weapon discharged. He was shot in the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital where he died approximately one hour later.
Lieutenant Dechen had been employed with the West Deptford Police Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and three teen-age children.

Bio

Age 44
Tour 23 years
Badge 48

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

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Lt. Dechen,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of West Deptford. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 18, 2025