Patrolman Harry MacLane Crawford

Harry MacLane Crawford

Patrolman Harry Crawford suffered a fatal heart attack after arguing with two men who were stealing scrap metal from Pier I in Jersey City, New Jersey.

A massive fire destroyed most of the buildings on the pier on February 25th, 1965, causing over one-million dollars in damage. Patrolman Crawford was patrolling the area when he caught two junk dealers loading their truck with metal pipes from the damaged buildings.

Patrolman Crawford collapsed during the argument and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both men were charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing on city property.

Patrolman Crawford had served with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Police Department for 36 years. He was survived by his wife, three children, and six grandchildren.