IPMBA honors those public safety cyclists who have lost their lives while on bicycle duty.  We also honor fallen IPMBA members.  We are grateful to the Officer Down Memorial Page for providing the information about U.S. line of duty deaths.  If any readers are aware of any other public safety cyclists who have made the ultimate sacrifice while on bike duty who are not included in this memorial, please send the information to info@ipmba.org so they, too, can be honored on this page.  Any errors or omissions are sincerely regretted.

Sergeant Christopher D. Fitzgerald

Temple University Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Saturday, February 18, 2023

Sergeant Chris Fitzgerald was shot and killed while struggling with a suspect near 1700 W Montgomery Street in Philadelphia at about 7:30 pm.

Sergeant Fitzgerald was patrolling the area when he saw three masked individuals in dark clothing standing in an area where several robberies had recently occurred. As he exited his patrol car to speak to them, all three fled on foot. He pursued one of the subjects and began to struggle with him in the 1700 block of W Montgomery Street. The man produced a handgun and shot Sergeant Fitzgerald multiple times.

The subject then attempted to steal Sergeant Fitzgerald’s duty weapon, belongings, and patrol car before carjacking a citizen several blocks away. Sergeant Fitzgerald was transported to Temple University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The man who shot him was arrested at his home in Bucks County early the next morning. He was charged with the murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, carjacking, and several other offenses.

Sergeant Fitzgerald had served with the Temple University Police Department for 16 months and previously served with the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Office for two and a half years. He also served with the Sugar Land Police Department (Texas) and as a Lehigh County Corrections Officer. He is survived by his wife, four children, mother, father, sister, and brother.

Sergeant Fitzgerald attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course in Philadelphia in June 2022. Instructor Dave Dager described him as “one of the best”, and Instructor Rossman Shaffer called him “an extremely skilled Police Cyclist”. In the words of Temple Lt. Russell Moody, he was “an extraordinary individual”.

He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

MAJOR DEAN DOUGLAS

Little Rock Metropolitan EMS, Arkansas
End of Watch: Friday, November 26, 2021

Major Dean Douglas, EMT, died after he was severely injured at the Little Rock Marathon on November 21, 2021.

Douglas was on duty for the MEMS bike team at the event. He was holding onto the roll bar of a utility vehicle on a bicycle when he was pulled under the vehicle, according to a report filed by the Little Rock Police Department. Douglas was responding to an emergency call when the incident happened at Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive and South State Street.

Douglas had helped with many major events in Arkansas history, like assisting with the arrival of thousands of Louisiana evacuees during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He saved countless lives during his years of service.

Douglas’ emergency vehicle had a “mad hatter” logo painted on the back. It represented all the facets of his rescue abilities.

He is survived by his wife and three children, parents, and a large extended family.

Police Officer Jason Michael Belton

Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: October 24, 2021

Police Officer Jason Belton died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 while on duty when he came into contact with a positive COVID-19 while working security at the UPMC Harmot in Erie.

Officer Belton was a United States Marine Corps veteran. He had served with the Erie Police Department for 17 years. He attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course conducted by William Marucci in May 2017 and was an active, respected member of the bicycle operations unit.

Michael Outlaw, the community liaison for the city of Erie, spoke of how Belton could reach others, young and old, in the area. “He would take his bicycle and ride with us throughout different parts of the community, especially the urban core, just to engage with residents and kids, to build that trust. He was a very respectful gentleman, always professional and always pleasant. I know he’s going to be missed by many.”

He is survived by his two daughters, Claire and Paige, as well as his parents, sisters, nieces, and many family members and friends.

POLICE OFFICER GORDON BEESLEY

Arvada Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch: Monday, June 21, 2021

Police Officer Gordon Beesley was shot and killed at about 1:30 pm after having responded to a suspicious event call near the Arvada Library in the 7500 block of W 57th Avenue.

While on scene he became engaged in a shootout with an armed subject and was fatally shot. The subject and a bystander who came to Officer Beesley’s assistance were also shot and killed.

Officer Beesley had served with the Arvada Police Department for 19 years. He was the SRO at Oberon Middle School but was assigned to patrol during the summer break.

He attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course taught by Rance Okada and Paul Newton, May 8-11, 2006, in Westminster, Colorado.

POLICE OFFICER CHRISTOPHER FARRAR

Chandler Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch: Friday, April 30, 2021

Police Officer Christopher Farrar was struck and killed by a vehicle during a vehicle pursuit of a stolen vehicle involving multiple agencies.

Deputies with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office had initiated the pursuit of a known felon shortly after 10:00 pm. The driver of the vehicle fired shots and at the responding deputies before entering Chandler, Arizona. The man drove
through a gate and onto the runway of the Chandler Regional Airport and then back into the community. He drove to a car dealership on East Motorplex Loop where he stole a truck.

As the man exited the dealership, he struck Officer Farrar and a Gilbert police officer, causing both to suffer critical injuries. Officer Farrar was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The man continued to flee but was taken into custody after being shot at by pursuing officers.

Officer Farrar had served with the Chandler Police Department for 18 years. He was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist in October 2006 and as IPMBA PCI #1083 in April 2008. He served as an IPMBA Instructor until
2011.

POLICE OFFICER BRIAN SICKNICK

United States Capitol Police, Washington DC
End of Watch: January 7, 2021

Officer Brian Sicknick suffered a stroke after physically engaging with protesters on the grounds of the United States Capitol.

Some of the protesters breached the entrances of the Capitol Building while Congress was in session certifying the Electoral College votes following the 2020 presidential election.

During the protest, Officer Sicknick and other officers were sprayed with a chemical irritant believed to be bear spray. Officer Sicknick returned to his division office after engaging with protestors and collapsed a short time later. He was transported to a local hospital where he passed away the following day.

On March 14th, 2021, two men were arrested and charged with assaulting Officer Sicknick.

Officer Sicknick was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He had served with the United States Capitol Police for 12 years and was assigned to the First Responder’s Unit.

He attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course conducted by Mohamed Ibrahim in March 2019 and was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist. He was an IPMBA member at the time of his death.

POLICE OFFICER STEPHEN CARR

Fayetteville Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch: December 7, 2019

Police Officer Stephen Carr was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack as he sat in his patrol car in the Fayetteville Police Department’s rear parking lot at about 9:40 pm.

He was waiting for his partner to return from inside of the police station when a subject approached him and opened fire without warning, killing him. Officers inside of the station heard the shots and immediately responded. They pursued the subject into an alley next to the police station and fatally shot him in an exchange of gunfire.

Officers and paramedics provided aid to Officer Carr, but he succumbed to his wounds.

Officer Carr had served with the Fayetteville Police Department for 2-1/2 years and was assigned to the Bicycle Unit, which is responsible for patrolling the Dickson Street Entertainment District and the Uptown District. The unit has 18 fully equipped police mountain bicycles and the bike officers are responsible for covering their assigned beats, along with special events such as the University of Arkansas football games, Bikes, Blues & BBQ, the Joe Martin Stage Race and Lights of the Ozarks. He attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course held March 18-22, 2019, in Bentonville, Arkansas.

BORDER PATROL AGENT DAVID GOMEZ

United States Border Patrol, El Paso, Texas
End of Watch: Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Border Patrol Agent David Gomez suffered a fatal heart attack while on bike patrol in El Paso, Texas.

He and several other agents were riding on McKelligan Canyon Road when Agent Gomez suffered the heart attack and fell from his bike. The other agents immediately began CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until medics arrived. He was transported to a local hospital where he was kept on life support until passing away the following day.

Agent Gomez had served with the United States Border Patrol for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, and two brothers.

SENIOR DEPUTY MARK LOGSDON

Harford County Sheriff's Office, Maryland
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Senior Deputy Mark Logsdon and Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey were shot and killed by a wanted subject shortly before noon.

The deputies had been dispatched to the restaurant, at 3412 Merchant Boulevard in Abingdon, after a report was received that the subject was there. Deputy Dailey located the man sitting at a table inside of the restaurant and engaged him in conversation. Without warning, the man produced a handgun and fatally shot Deputy Dailey in the head.

The man fled into the parking lot where he was located by other deputies sitting in a car. The subject opened fire on the deputies, striking Deputy Logsdon. Despite being wounded, Deputy Logsdon was able to return fire, along with other deputies, and killed the subject.

Deputy Logsdon was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years. He attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course in July 2008 taught by IPMBA Instructor Mike Clymer and was certified as a Police Cyclist.

He is survived by his wife, three children, and parents.

POLICE OFFICER JUAN FELICIANO

New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Police Officer Juan Feliciano suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting with bicycle inspections at the NYPD’s Driver Training Facility at Floyd Bennett Field.

Officer Feliciano loaded several department bicycles into a van at the 28th Precinct and transported them to a training and repair facility in Brooklyn. Once there he began to off-load the bicycles. As he was removing the bicycles from the van, he suffered a heart attack. Other officers at the facility performed CPR and utilized an AED, but were unable to revive him.

Officer Feliciano served with the New York City Police Department for 21 years and was assigned to the 28th Precinct. He is survived by his wife and two children.

POLICE LIEUTENANT AHMED MERABET

Police Nationale - Paris, France
End of Watch: January 7, 2015

On 7 January 2015, two radical Islamic terrorists attacked the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, killing 11 people. While escaping, the terrorists encountered two police officers on bike, one of them being Ahmed Merabet. After a gunfire exchange, Merabet was injured and lying on the ground. One of the terrorists approached Merabet and shot him in the head.

Born in 1974, Lieutenant Ahmed Merabet was a member of the Brigade VTT (“vélo tout terrain”, French for mountain bike) in Paris XIe arrondissement (11th District).

Ahmed Merabet was a Muslim, and after his death he became a symbol of freedom and religious tolerance, in opposition to radical Islamic terrorism. He is survived by his wife and two children, parents, and brother.

POLICE OFFICER DARYL PIERSON

Rochester Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Police Officer Daryl Pierson was shot and killed near the intersection of Hudson Avenue and Warsaw Street while involved in a foot pursuit of a suspect following a traffic stop.

The man that Officer Pierson was chasing had been paroled only three weeks prior while serving a sentence for attempted armed robbery.

A bystander was also wounded by the gunfire.

Daryl attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course in June 2012 and was a member of the RPD Tactical Unit, participating in several successful bicycle operations. He was described simply by Instructor Neil Gallivan as “a great man” and by fellow bike officer Paul Romano as “the embodiment of a good officer: firm but fair.”

Officer Pierson was a veteran of the National Guard and had served with the Rochester Police Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

BRIAN TODD SCHIMPF

Grand County EMS, Colorado
End of Watch: November 23, 2013

More than a year after a Grand County EMS vehicle rolled two-and-a-half times on Red Dirt Hill, the driver of the vehicle, former EMS Captain Brian Schimpf, died following a surgery related to injuries sustained from the accident.

After Schimpf underwent surgery on Wednesday, Nov. 20, he was placed on life support due to complications with the surgery, according to Grand County EMS Chief Ray Jennings. Schimpf never regained consciousness and died on Saturday, Nov. 23. He was 33 years old.

Schimpf had been working for Grand County EMS for less than a year when he was returning from a structure fire at Beaver Village around 2 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2012. He was travelling westbound on Highway 40 on Red Dirt Hill when the accident occurred.

Schimpf suffered numerous injuries from the accident including a mild head injury, broken ribs, broken tibia and fibula, broken collarbone, and spinal injuries.

Schimpf went into surgery on Wednesday in relation to the spinal injuries.

Brian attended the IPMBA EMS Cyclist Course conducted by Kyle Roodberg, EMSCI #196, in June 2008. He was a certified EMS Cyclist while with Denver Health Paramedics, where he spent most of his career as a paramedic.

SERGEANT MICHAEL BOEHM

United States Department of the Interior - United States Park Police, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Friday, December 16, 2011

Sergeant Michael Boehm suffered a fatal heart attack while responding to a call involving a person who had jumped from the Key Bridge in Washington, DC. The person was found critically injured on the C&O Canal towpath underneath the bridge near 34th Street.

Sergeant Boehm collapsed moments after responding to the scene. He was immediately transported to Georgetown University Hospital, where he passed away. The person who jumped from the bridge also died.

Boehm was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist in 1994, while stationed at the Golden Gate National Recreational Area in San Francisco. His certifying instructor was Joe Martin, PCI #006. He attended the 1997 IPMBA Conference in Nashville and the H&K Survival Skills for the Mountain Bike Officer course in June 1997. He was certified as IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor #381 in December 1999, while assigned to the U.S. Park Police Central District Bike Patrol in Washington DC.

Although he taught his last IPMBA course in April 2001, he remained active in the bicycle program and enjoyed riding both on- and off-duty.

Sergeant Boehm was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the United States Park Police for 19 years. He is survived by his wife and son.

POLICE OFFICER NICK ARMSTRONG

Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota
End of Watch: Sunday, August 7, 2011

Officer Nick Armstrong and Officer J. Ryan McCandless were shot and killed as they and another officer questioned four suspicious subjects at the intersection of East Anamosa and Greenbriar Streets at about 4:30 pm.

After several minutes, a male subject in the group pulled out a concealed handgun and opened fire, striking all three officers before being wounded by return fire. The subject was shot and fatally wounded.

All three officers were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Officer McCandless was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital, and Officer Nick Armstrong succumbed to his wounds five days later.

Officer Armstrong had served with the Rapid City Police Department for two years and had previously served two years with the Spearfish Police Department.

Officer Armstrong completed the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course in May 2011. IPMBA Instructor Jason Amdahl, PCI #990, described him as an inspirational officer who took to the bike like a pro.

POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM “WILL” EDWARD PHILLIPS, III

Greenfield Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Thursday, September 30, 2010

Officer William Phillips was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while on bike patrol training at approximately 12:45 am in Henry County.

Officer Phillips and two other members of the bike patrol team had just finished their shift and were conducting a training ride on department-issued bicycles. While they were riding westbound on U.S. 40 near the Knightstown High School, he was struck from behind by the driver of a vehicle, who then fled the scene. All of the officers were wearing helmets and had lights on their bicycles.

The 59-year-old female suspect driver later surrendered and was charged with failure to stop after a fatal accident. She was subsequently sentenced to two years of home confinement.

Officer Phillips was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Greenfield Police Department for nearly 4½ years. He had previously served with the McCordsville Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two- and five-year-old sons, two sisters, and his parents.

POLICE OFFICER DAVID HAYNES

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Officer David Haynes was killed in an automobile accident while involved in a vehicle pursuit of a burglary suspect.

The pursuit was traveling down Kings Highway when another car pulled out of Oleatha Street and collided with Officer Haynes’ patrol car.

Haynes was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver, who was fleeing the pursuit, was subsequently captured and confessed. In September 2011, the subject pleaded guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, stealing, and resisting arrest by fleeing police.

Officer Haynes was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the St. Louis Police Department for only one year. He completed the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course on March 4, 2010. He is survived by his wife.

POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER CHRISTOPHER DAVID MACLURE

Greater Manchester Police Department (UK)
End of Watch: September 10, 2007

PCSO Christopher Maclure was on bicycle duty when he was involved in a collision involving a lorry at the traffic lights at the junction of Atherton and Leigh Roads in Hindley Green, Wigan, at 10am. He suffered massive head injuries and died at the scene. The lorry - which was carrying waste - was turning left at the time.

Chris joined GMP as a PCSO in January 2007 and was stationed at Bamfurlong Police Station, Wigan. He is survived by his father, a retired Merseyside police officer, his mother, three brothers, and his fiancé.

POLICE OFFICER TOM DEVLIN

Boston College Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Friday, April 6, 2007

The Boston College Police Department lost a beloved and valued member of its Mountain Bike unit on Friday, April 6, 2007.

Officer Tom Devlin, a 21-year veteran of the Department, passed way after a long battle with injuries he sustained in an on-duty incident. Tom responded to a fire alarm at B.C.’s Edmonds Hall dormitory in September 1988. While helping to evacuate students, he suffered severe lung damage from what was later determined to be a military grade tear gas canister. His lungs suffered further damage in May 1999 when he responded to a fire in another residence hall and was exposed to the smoke while evacuating residents. He was hospitalized again after that incident and was forced to medically retire in 2004.

Tom was one of the original founding members of B.C.‘s bike unit as well as an E.M.T. He also took great pride in maintaining the department’s fleet of mountain bikes. A former IPMBA member, Tom attended the 2000 IPMBA Conference in Tucson, AZ. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia and daughter Christine.

POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL LELAND BRIGGS

Manchester Police Department, New Hampshire
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Officer Michael Briggs succumbed to a gunshot wound inflicted the previous morning when he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call.

Both officers were on bicycle patrol and they located one of the participants in an alley at the corner of Lake and Lincoln Streets. Officer Briggs was shot in the head as he was questioning the male subject.

Officer Briggs was transported to Elliott Hospital, where he remained until succumbing to the wound. The suspect fled the state but was arrested later in the day while hiding in his grandmother’s home in Dorchester, Massachusetts. In an odd twist, it was discovered that the suspect was the same man whose life Officer Briggs had saved in 2003 following a shooting. The suspect was convicted in November 2008 of capital murder.

Officer Briggs was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Manchester Police Department for five years. He had previously served as a correctional officer for the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections for six years. During his time as a correctional officer, he had also served as a part-time officer with the Epsom Police Department. Officer Briggs is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, and three sisters.

POLICE OFFICER BRIAN STEVEN GREGG

Newtown Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Thursday, September 29, 2005

Officer Brian Gregg was shot and killed after a prisoner was able to gain possession of his partner’s service weapon at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Officer Gregg and his partner were guarding a suspect who had been arrested earlier in the evening for drunk driving and had been taken to the hospital to undergo blood and urine tests. While in the emergency room, the prisoner began to struggle with Officer Gregg and a second officer. He gained control of the second officer’s service weapon and opened fire, striking Officer Gregg in the chest. The prisoner also shot the second officer in the chest and wounded a hospital technician. The prisoner then shot Officer Gregg, who was on the ground, in the head, killing him.

The prisoner fled the emergency room and was located approximately one hour later hiding in a car in the hospital parking garage. He was taken into custody and charged with one count of capital murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Officer Gregg had just started as a full-time officer after serving part-time with the four-person department for one year.

Officer Gregg attended an IPMBA Police Cyclist Course taught by John F. Washington, in March 2004. He is survived by his wife and four-year old son.

POLICE OFFICER JAMES C. MCBRIDE

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Officer James McBride died as a result of hyponatremia (over-hydration as the result of drinking too much water) while participating in a strenuous bicycle patrol training course. During a 12-mile training ride on the second day of the course, Officer McBride drank as much as three gallons of water. After the ride, Officer McBride complained about feeling ill. Thinking that he was dehydrated, he sat out the next portion of training.

Paramedics were summoned to the academy after another officer was injured. One of the paramedics noticed that Officer McBride was vomiting and convulsing. He was transported to Washington Hospital Center, where he died.

Officer McBride had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for two years. He had been awarded the 1st District’s Rookie of the Year the previous year.

POLICE OFFICER JONATHAN EDWARD WALSH

Joliet Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, August 20, 2004

Officer Jonathan Walsh was killed when his patrol car was involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver. He was responding to a burglar alarm at the Pilcher Park Nature Center.

Officer Walsh was pronounced dead at Silver Cross Hospital. He suffered massive injuries when he collided with a Chevrolet Blazer and then crashed into an unoccupied lift crane parked on the side of Maple Road just east of Briggs Street.

Police located the Blazer abandoned near McKay Street and Garland Court. Following a five hour manhunt, the driver was arrested and charged. His spouse was also charged for her involvement in reporting the vehicle stolen.

Officer Walsh was a three and one-half year veteran of the Joliet Police Department. He was a certified member of the Bicycle Patrol and also served on the Gang Violence Suppression Unit. He was a founder and member of the Joliet Police Department Softball Team, and a member of the International Police Mountain Bike Association.

During his career with the Joliet Police Department, he was the recipient of numerous commendations and awards of merit. Officer Walsh was a very enthusiastic, compassionate, and friendly individual. Prior to joining the Joliet Police Department, Walsh served with the Burr Ridge, Palos Heights, and Chicago Ridge Police Departments.

On Wednesday, July 27, 2005, the offender entered a guilty plea on charges of failure to stop after an accident and driving on a revoked license.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2005, the driver was sentenced to six months in jail and was taken into custody after sentencing. The sentence also included 48 months of probation.

Officer Walsh is survived by his father, a retired Worth police officer, his mother, and two sisters.

POLICE OFFICER STEPHEN SMITH

University of California Irvine Police Department, CA
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 6, 2004

Officer Stephen Smith joined the UC Riverside Police Department in 1994, where he remained for seven years. He played a major role in the department’s bike patrol unit, not only as a member but also as an instructor and mechanic. He was also a member of the University Neighborhood Enhancement Team. Officer Smith was promoted to the rank of Corporal, was a Field Training Officer, and later worked with the Detective Unit.

In 2001, Officer Smith transferred to the UC Irvine Police Department. While at UCIPD, Officer Smith continued as a bike team officer and participated in several of the department’s major events and programs.

On January 2, 2004, Officer Smith suffered a heart attack while on bike patrol duty. Officer Smith was taken to a local hospital, where he passed away on January 6, 2004.

Officer Smith is survived by his wife, two adult children, his stepson, his parents, and his two brothers.

POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL J. DUNMAN

Salt Lake City Police Department, Utah
End of Watch: Monday, July 17, 2000

Officer Michael Dunman was killed after his bicycle was struck by an automobile.

Officer Dunman was on bicycle patrol in downtown Salt Lake City. A car veered across three lanes of traffic, hopped a curb, and struck him from behind. He suffered severe head injuries in the accident and died shortly after being transported to a local hospital.

The driver of the vehicle, an illegal immigrant, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide. He later jumped bail and fled to Mexico.

Officer Dunman had served with the Salt Lake City Police Department for five years. He is survived by his wife and three young daughters.

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS FRANK M. FIDAZZO

Morgantown Police Department, West Virginia
End of Watch: Saturday, June 10, 2000

PFC Frank Fidazzo died one day after being involved in a bicycle accident while training with his agency’s bicycle unit.

He and other bike officers from several agencies were finishing a one week training series and were riding on a path in a city park when PFC Fidazzo’s bike hit a hump, throwing him over the handlebars. He received serious head injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he died the next day.

PFC Fidazzo had served with the Morgantown Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the Bicycle Unit. He is survived by his wife and two children.

CONSERVATION OFFICER JAMES V. SPIGNESI, JR.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut
End of Watch: Friday, November 20, 1998

Conservation Officer James Spignesi was shot and killed while checking private property for suspected illegal deer hunting near Scotland, Connecticut. Officer Spignesi was with another officer when he was struck by a round from a high-powered rifle. His partner arrested the suspected shooter, an off-duty state corrections officer, who claimed the shooting was an accident.

The suspect was hunting illegally after dark when the incident took place. According to the Winter 1999 issue of IPMBA News. Officer Spignesi was an avid cyclist and advocate for mountain bike patrols in state forests and parks.

Officer Spignesi had served with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for eight years. He was survived by his father, three brothers, and his sister.

He attended the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course in September 1998 in West Hartford, conducted by Stephen Estes and Jeffrey Glaude. An avid cyclist, he persuaded the DEP to establish a mountain bike patrol. Stephen Estes stated, “Jim was on the cutting edge. It was his idea to patrol the campgrounds, with all the drugs and drinking, down by the coast.” As for the training, “He did absolutely great [even on an outdated mountain bike]. He was a joy to have in the class.”

A memorial scholarship fund has been established in his name.

SERGEANT GILBERT J. MAST

Tulane University Department of Public Safety, Louisiana
End of Watch: Saturday, January 20, 1996

Sergeant Mast was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while he and another officer were conducting a traffic stop. Another vehicle sped into the area and Sergeant Mast signaled the vehicle to stop. The vehicle instead sped up, hit a car, and then struck Sergeant Mast, dragging him approximately 80 feet and killing him almost instantly.

Sergeant Mast had served with the agency for six years. He was an IPMBA member at the time of his death. He is remembered by IPMBA Instructor Mike Reily as a “super nice” guy. The cuffs used to take the suspect into custody were given to Tulane Police Department by New Orleans Police Department and were mounted in a shadow box.

SERGEANT HOLGER BECK

New York State Police, New York
End of Watch: Friday, June 23, 1995

Sergeant Holger Beck succumbed to injuries received in 1988 when he struck a dog while riding his bicycle to work. The collision caused a fall to the ground where he struck his head. He then reported to work where he lost consciousness. He remained in a coma until his death seven years later. Sergeant Beck was already on duty at the time of the accident.

Sergeant Beck had served with the New York State Police for 27 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

DETECTIVE DANNY VALENZUELA

Brea Police Department, California
End of Watch: Tuesday, May 23, 1995

Detective Valenzuela suffered a fatal heart attack while on a bike patrol training exercise. He had served with the agency for 15 years.

Park Ranger Paul Matthew Pytel

San Antonio Park Police, San Antonio, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, July 31, 1994

On Sunday July 31, 1994, Officer Paul Matthew Pytel, a nine year veteran of the Park Rangers, died while chasing a murder suspect when he fell into Salado Creek during a struggle with the suspect and drowned.

Officer Pytel and a Park Ranger Probationary Officer were patrolling Martin Luther King Park when they heard shots fired. At the sound of the first shot, the Probationary Officer turned and saw three men with guns drawn. Officer Pytel chased the men a short distance in the patrol car then, after ordering the Probationary Officer to stay with the vehicle for his safety, began a foot pursuit of one suspect as he ran across a field towards Salado Creek at the back of the park. San Antonio Police Officers were dispatched to the park to assist and headed for the creek to try and cut off the fleeing suspects. As SAPD Officers were arresting two of the suspects they heard a splash in the creek farther up from them. SAPD Officers cuffed the suspects and ran to the spot where Officer Pytel and the suspect had fallen into the water. The creek was muddy and stirred up, it took several minutes to locate Officer Pytel in the water. As soon as he was pulled out of the water SAPD Officer Ernest Trevino performed CPR but was unable to revive Officer Pytel at the scene. Officer Pytel was revived for a brief time in the ambulance by Paramedics, but passed away on the way to the hospital. Officer Pytel became the first San Antonio Park Ranger to die in the line of duty. He was a graduate of Burbank High School and a nine-year veteran of the San Antonio Park Rangers. Officer Pytel served in the Department’s Honor Guard, was a Field Training Officer and Bike Patrol Officer.

According to the October 1994 issue of IPMBA News, Paul was one of the founding members of the San Antonio Park Police Bike Patrol, which was initiated in 1991.

On May 14, 1996, The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department renamed and dedicated the former South New Braunfels Park to Paul M. Pytel Park. The park was officially named for Officer Paul Pytel who dedicated his life keeping San Antonio Parks and the Riverwalk safe for the citizens and visitors to San Antonio.

POLICE OFFICER JOE RIOS

Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 20, 1993

Officer Joe Rios succumbed to injuries sustained eight months earlier while on bicycle patrol on Sunset Boulevard.

The accident occurred on May 27, 1992, when an automobile exited a parking lot into his path. Officer Rios was able to return to duty six months later, but suffered a cerebral concussion which contributed to his death on January 20, 1993.

Officer Rios had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

PATROLMAN CARL W. COX

Bradenton Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, August 8, 1970

Patrolman Carl Cox was struck and killed by a vehicle while on bicycle patrol in downtown Bradenton.

Cox had served with the Bradenton Police for 14 years.

OFFICER ROY J. CARNEY

Wilmington Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Thursday, April 1, 1937

Officer Roy Carney was struck and killed by a drunk driver while he and his partner pushed their bicycles up a hill on Third Street at the beginning of their shift. The drunk driver was arrested by Officer Carney’s partner at the scene and was charged with murder.

Officer Carney had been with the agency for 13 months. He was survived by a wife and son.

PRIVATE WILLIAM J. GRISSAM

United States Department of the Interior - United States Park Police, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Sunday, March 20, 1932

Private William Grissam was killed while on patrol after his bicycle struck a parked car on John Marshall Place, near Pennsylvania Avenue.

A taxi driver found Private Grissam lying unconscious in the roadway and took him to the Emergency Hospital shortly after 5:00 am. He died at the hospital approximately one hour later.

Private Grissam had served with the United States Park Police for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

OFFICER GEORGE TURNER

Fort Worth Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, May 20, 1928

Officer George Turner was shot and killed while attempting to stop a suspect who had tried to run him down in a car several days before.

Officer Turner, a bicycle officer, was assigned to a patrol car with two other officers on the night he was shot. He spotted a vehicle that had almost run him off the road a couple of days before. Giving chase in the patrol car and overtaking the vehicle, the three officers approached the vehicle with two men and a woman inside. Officer Turner was shot point blank with a .45 automatic pistol by one of the male occupants and managed to fire one shot that missed the suspect before falling to the ground. He died 30 minutes later.

The suspect fled on foot, and the other two officers fired shots and gave chase after one officer first spoke with Officer Turner. After months of searching and the offer of a $500 reward, the suspect was found in Chicago and brought back to stand trial. He was sentenced to life in prison but pardoned after serving only 20 years.

Officer Turner had served with the agency for only seven months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and siblings.

OFFICER BERTRAM F. BREWSTER

Fort Worth Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 13, 1925

Officer Brewster succumbed to injuries sustained approximately 18 hours earlier when he was accidentally shot. He and his partner were on bicycle patrol at approximately 0130 hours when they stopped at a local church at the intersection of Hemphill and West Berry to take their lunch break. As the two were eating, they observed a car drive down the street towards a grocery store that had recently been burglarized several times.

The two officers quickly got up and grabbed their coats so they could hurry out the door. As Officer Brewster grabbed his coat, he knocked his service revolver out of its holster. The gun struck the floor and discharged. The round struck Officer Brewster in the leg and traveled to the middle of his back. He was taken to All Saints Hospital where he remained until succumbing to his wound at approximately 1950 that evening.

Officer Bertram had served with the Fort Worth Police Department for four years. He was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

PATROLMAN JOSEPH PELOSI

New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, December 11, 1924

Patrolman Joseph Pelosi struck and killed by a car while riding his police bicycle.

He was escorting an ambulance on Queens Boulevard when he was struck and fatally injured. He was transported to St. John’s Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries one week later.

Patrolman Pelosi was assigned to the Newton Station (modern day 60th Precinct) and had only served with the agency for four days. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

PATROLMAN PHILIP ENDRESS

New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, April 24, 1923

Patrolman Philip Endress died of injuries he received when the department bicycle he was riding struck a car. Patrolman Endress was on post, riding his bicycle on Bedford Avenue between Lenox Road and Clarkson Avenue when, at approximately 10:30pm, an automobile made a quick turn in front of him. His bicycle struck the rear mud guard of the car and he was thrown to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement.

He was driven in a private car by a citizen to Kings County Hospital. He succumbed to his injuries at approximately 9:30am.

Patrolman Endress had served with the New York City Police Department for 16 years and was assigned to the 82nd Precinct (modern day 67th Precinct) in Brooklyn. He was survived by his wife and 13-year-old son.

SERGEANT PETER J. MCINTYRE

New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 10, 1922

Sergeant Peter McIntyre was killed when he was thrown from his department bicycle while on patrol.

PATROLMAN JOHN SHERIDAN

New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Monday, February 14, 1921

Patrolman Sheridan was killed by a hit and run driver while on bicycle patrol. He was struck by an automobile near the corner of Cropsey Avenue and Stryker Street, Brooklyn. The driver fled, abandoning his vehicle. He was later apprehended after detectives were able to trace the car to its owner.

Sheridan was assigned to the 70th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and five-year-old daughter.

POLICEMAN LUTHER MCMAHILL

Denver Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch: Saturday, September 14, 1918

Policeman Luther McMahill was shot and killed when he encountered a group of robbers.

He had just finished his shift and was riding his bicycle home when he observed the men. As he shined his flashlight at them, the suspects opened fire, striking Policeman McMahill in the chest. It is thought that the killers may have been the same suspects who shot and killed Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chief of Detectives John Rowan the previous day.

Two of the suspects were shot and killed in Los Angeles County, California, following a shootout in which Deputy Michael Van Vliet, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was shot and killed.

POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL J. BURNS

Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore, Maryland
End of Watch: Monday, January 22, 1917

Police Officer Michael Burns was electrocuted while attempting to relight an electric street light in front of 4012 Park Heights Avenue.A citizen flagged down Officer Burns, who was on bicycle patrol, and complained that the light was flashing. Officer Burns stood on his bike and attempted to relight the light by pulling on the chain, but the lamp exploded and threw him into the street. The lamp then fell into the street and Officer Burns became tangled in the live wires and was electrocuted.

Officer Burns had served with the Baltimore City Police Department for one year and was assigned to the Bicycle Squad in the Northeastern District. He was survived by his wife and four young children.

OFFICER WILLIE R. GAWEN

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 2, 1915

Officer Willie Gawen was killed in a bicycle accident while on patrol with a fellow officer near 7th and Q Streets, NW. Officer Gawen’s partner heard a noise and when he turned around he discovered Officer Gawen laying in the street unconscious. The exact cause of the fall was not known but thought to be caused by road debris.

Officer Gawen had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for four years.

TOWN MARSHAL HYRAM SMITH PETERSON

Mesa Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch: Wednesday, November 12, 1913

Marshal Hyram Peterson was shot and killed by a theft suspect while on duty. He observed two men attempting to steal a bicycle and he gave chase on his own bicycle. He was shot by the two men when he caught them at the edge of town. Both men were eventually apprehended.

Marshal Peterson had been the town marshal for five years. He was survived by his wife and children and is buried in the City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona.

POLICEMAN CLYDE A. MAY

Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, February 28, 1907

Policeman May was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect at Adams and San Pedro Streets.

Policeman May and his partner had stopped and gotten off their bicycles to question a man they found out on the street after midnight. As Policeman May attempted to stop him from fleeing, the man jerked loose and fired a shot, hitting Policeman May. As he ran, he took aim at Policeman May’s partner, who fired first, killing him.

Policeman May was survived by his wife of one month, his mother, and two brothers.

POLICE OFFICER CHARLES MAYER

Saint Paul Police Department, Minnesota
End of Watch: Saturday, February 1, 1902

Officer Charles Mayer was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at the intersection of University Avenue and Farrington Avenue at 0220 hours. He surprised the three burglars who were attempting to break into a butcher shop. Officer Mayer was shot in the groin with a .44 caliber handgun. He was able to return fire but did not strike the suspects. All three suspects were eventually arrested in Kansas but had to be released due to lack of evidence and a key witness refusing to testify. One of the suspects shot and killed Officer Lafayette Smith of the Omaha, Nebraska, Police Department on January 14, 1909. He was later shot and killed by a Omaha police detective. Officer Mayer had been with the agency for four years and was assigned to the Bicycle Squad. He was survived by his wife and five children.

POLICE OFFICER CHARLES J. STEWART

Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Saturday, September 16, 1899

Officer Stewart was struck and killed by an electric streetcar at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Orleans Street while on bicycle patrol. He was waiting for another officer at the intersection when the accident occurred at 2025 hours. Officer Stewart had served with the Detroit Police Department for six years and was survived by his wife and 3-year-old child.

PATROLMAN FREDERICK H. LINCOLN

New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 18, 1898

Patrolman Frederick Lincoln was killed on Madison Avenue when he hit a pedestrian with his bicycle and was thrown over the handle bars to the ground where he struck his head on the corner of the curb. He was attempting to catch up to a streetcar that he had just taken an aided report from because he omitted the address of the motorman. Patrolman Lincoln had served with the New York City Police Department for one year. He was survived by his parents and brother.