Joseph J Heffernan

End of Watch: Sunday, August 14, 1898

Biographical Info

Age: 40

Tour of Duty: 4 years

Rank: Patrolman

Assignment: Patrol

Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Date of Incident: August 12, 1898

Incident Location: 21st Street and Rowan Street

Weapon Used: Firearm

Case Status: Closed

Joseph Heffernan headshot

Narrative

Two (2) days before his death, in the early morning hours, Officer Heffernan assisted Corporal Louis Whitman who had detained two (2) suspected burglars at 21st & Rowan Streets in the Portland neighborhood. 

During questioning of the two (2) men, one of them produced a handgun and shot at Corporal Whitman. However, before the shooter could take accurate aim, Officer Heffernan knocked him to the ground causing the shot to miss Whitman. Immediately after this, the second burglar produced a pistol and began shooting at Officer Heffernan as Heffernan fired back with his pistol. The wounded man then fled. 

The man on the ground, still holding his pistol, was told by Officer Heffernan that he was under arrest. The man then shot Heffernan in the side, penetrating his liver and lung. Officer Heffernan was rushed to Saint Joseph's Infirmary, where he lingered for two (2) days and died as a result of his wounds.

Officer Heffernan is survived by his wife and son.

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