Line of Duty Deaths - 1960-1970's

David P. Richards

Commission Date: December 5, 1966

Motorcycle Officer - Died: September 1, 1967

On September 1, 1967, at about 9:00AM, Seattle Police Officer David P. Richards died in the line of duty. Officer Richards was traveling with other motorcycle officers along I-5 on the last day of his motorcycle training. A witness observed that the rear tire of Officer Richards' motorcycle was wobbling just before he left the lane and collided with a guardrail near the Bothell Way exit. Officer David P. Richards died at the scene from extensive injuries.

Steven Kuga Jr.

Commission Date: July 30, 1957

Patrol Officer - Died: May 16, 1968

On May 16, 1968, at about 9:30PM, Seattle Police Officer Steven Kuga Jr.  died in the line of duty. He was sitting in his patrol car talking with a citizen in an alley, when he suddenly collapsed. Officer Steven Kuga Jr. died at the scene.

John E. Bartlett

Commission Date: January 2, 1959

Traffic Officer - Died: March 11, 1968

On March 9, 1968, at about 9:30PM, Seattle Police Officer John E. Bartlett was killed in the line of duty. Officer Bartlett stopped a traffic violator on Aurora Avenue North and North Motor Place. He was standing by the offender's door when passing a truck swerved around his patrol car and drove into the lane where he was standing. The truck mirror struck Officer Bartlett, throwing him ten feet. The suspect fled, but was arrested a short time later. Officer John E. Bartlett was taken to University Hospital, where he died two days later.

Robert R. Allshaw

Commission Date: March 27 1959

Patrol Officer - Died: November 11, 1968

On November 11, 1968, during the evening hours, Seattle Police Officer Robert R. Allshaw died in the line of duty. Officer Allshaw was at the scene of a robbery in progress at the IGA grocery store at 11522 15th Avenue Northeast. Three suspects were confronted and shots were exchanged. Office Allshaw and one suspect were struck by a shotgun blast from another police officer at the scene. Officer Robert R. Allshaw was taken to Northwest Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Robert D. Ward

Commission Date: March, 20, 1953

Patrol Sergeant - Died: May 15, 1969

On May 15, 1969, at about 3:35AM, Seattle Police Sergeant Robert D. Ward was killed in the line of duty. Sergeant Ward, Officer Pankey, and Officer Greiner were patrolling in Sergeant Ward's vehicle. Upon hearing a vehicle pursuit, they proceeded into the area. When Sergeant Ward saw the suspect vehicle approaching, he activated his emergency lights. Suddenly, the suspect vehicle swerved into the patrol car's lane and the vehicles collided head on in the 1000 block of 1st Avenue South. The two passenger officers were severely injured, as was the passenger of the suspect vehicle. The driver of the suspect vehicle was killed. Sergeant Robert D. Ward was taken to Harborview County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead forty minutes later.

Fred D. Carr

Commission Date: March 1, 1971

Patrol Officer - Died: February 25, 1974

On February 25, 1974, during the early morning hours, Seattle Police Officer Fred D. Carr was shot and killed in the line of duty. Officer Carr and two other officers responded to a man with a shotgun call in the 600 block of 15th Avenue East. When they arrived at the house, a group of people met them outside, saying the individual with the gun was inside. As the officers entered the home, the suspect jumped from the closet and opened fire. Officer Carr was hit, but was able to return fire before he collapsed. The other officers returned fire and killed the suspect. Officer Fred D. Carr died at the scene.

James M. Forbes

Commission Date: June 17, 1969

Police Helicopter Observer - Died: June 21, 1974

One June 21, 1974, during the afternoon, Seattle Police Officer James M. Forbes died in the line of duty. Officer Forbes was a Police Helicopter Observer in "Air 3," which was piloted by Officer James St. Delore. The officers were responding to a shooting in the south end of the city. As they flew above Beacon Hill, the helicopter collided with a Cessna 150 that was landing at Boeing Field. The mid-air collision killed both officers and the two occupants of the plane.

 James H.  St. Delore

Commission Date: March 2, 1970

Police Helicopter Pilot - Died: June 21, 1974

On June 21, 1974, during the afternoon, Seattle Police Officer James H. St. Delore died in the line of duty. Officer St. Delore was a Police Helicopter Pilot in "Air 3," and the Observer was Officer James M. Forbes. The officers were responding to a shooting in the south end of the city. As they flew above Beacon Hill, the helicopter collided with a Cessna 150 that was landing at Boeing Field. The mid-air collision killed both officers and the two occupants of the plane.

Jerry L. Wyant

Commission Date: December 11, 1967

Motorcycle Officer - Died: December 26, 1976

On December 26, 1976, at about noon, Seattle Police Officer Jerry L. Wyant died in the line of duty. He was on patrol, riding his motorcycle when he was hit a by a delivery truck in the intersection of 1st Avenue South and South Dawson Street. Officer Wyant was thrown 22 feet. His motorcycle landed on top of him. Officer Jerry L. Wyant was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he died during surgery.

Dorian L. Halvorson

Commission Date: November 12, 1968

Patrol Officer - Died: September 24, 1976

On September 24, 1976, during the evening hours, Seattle Police Officer Dorian L. Halvrson was shot and killed in the line of duty. Officer Halvorson and two other officers responded to a call of gunshots at a house in the 9200 block of 17th Avenue Southwest. Officers arrived and approached the basement door. A juvenile male emerged with a gun and shot Officer Halvorson. The other officers returned fire, by killing the suspect. Officer Dorian L. Halvorson died at the scene.