Galveston Police Memorial Foundation
Galveston Police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice

Patrolman Alfred L. Hawkins

On May 01, 1922 Patrolman Hawkins age thirty, a five year veteran, was escorting a payroll from the Galveston Wharves when suspects confronted the officer to steal the payroll. Officer Hawkins was shot and killed.

Patrolman Thomas T. Hawkins

On May 04, 1928, at approximately 9:00 a.m., patrolman Hawkins, age sixty-seven and a former Texas Ranger, and two and a half year G.P.D. veteran, was escorting two Galveston Dry Dock and Construction Company officials from the Hutchings Sealy Bank located at 24th & Strand. The group had left the bank with a $6400 payroll. They were confronted by two gunmen near a north side vacant lot at 24th and Strand. A struggle ensued in which officer Hawkins was shot twice. Although mortally wounded, Hawkins returned fire. The gunmen escaped with the money. In their haste, one of the gunmen dropped a nickel plated 45 on the ground. Officer Hawkins died as a result of his wounds. He was survived by a wife and eight children.

Patrolman James G. Reegan

On June 29, 1927 motorcycle patrolman Reegan, age thirty-two, a five year veteran, observed a traffic violation and attempted to affect a traffic stop. The car fled in an attempt to evade the officer. The vehicle reached speeds of sixty-four miles per hour. The driver of the suspect vehicle, lost control of the car at the intersection of twenty-first and Ball, The vehicle jumped the curb, striking and downing a street sign. Unable to stop in time, Officer Reegan's motorcycle struck the sign, catapulting him over the handle bars. Officer Reegan died as a result of head injuries. The driver and passengers were arrested and charged with traffic related offenses. Officer Reegan was survived by a wife and four children.

Decective Edward Burke

On June 01, 1928, Detective Burke, age thirty-five, a ten year veteran, was shot and killed by a suspect while kicking a door in during a prohibition era raid on a local drinking establishment. Detective Burke was survived by a wife and two children.

Patrolman Albert Benard Fredrickson

One June 2, 1933, motorcycle officer Fredrickson, a six year veteran, was enroute emergency traffic to a reported car over the Seawall near the Lampis Bath House. While enroute, Officer Fredrickson lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a parked trailer at 15th and Seawall. Officer Fredrickson, was twenty-nine years of age, and survived by a wife and one child.

Patrolman Frank Marchesi

On July 21, 1942 at 8:15 a.m. officer Marchesi and back-up officer Floyd Neal were dispatched to 4809 Avenue P (Rear), in response to shots being fired call. As the officers approached the house, the suspect appeared in the front doorway brandishing a shotgun. Without warning, the suspect opened fire at a distance of eighteen feet, striking Officer Marchesi in the neck, and grazing Officer Neal. Officer Neal returned fire as the suspect disappeared into the house. Additional officers arrived on the scene and a lengthy gun battle between the suspect and police ensued. Police Chief Fred Ford arrived on the scene and ordered the house stormed. The suspect was shot and killed by police. Officer Marchesi was unable to survive his injuries. He left a wife and two children.

Detective Arthur J. Vandagaer

On January 11, 1948, Detective Vandagaer, age forty, a ten year veteran, was accidentally shot after his pistol discharged while affecting the arrest of a suspect. Detective Vandagaer died as a result of his wounds. He was survived by a wife and three children.

Patrolman Bennie Frank Elrod

On March 11, 1948, at approximately 10:00 p.m., while working evening watch patrol, Officer Elrod handled a disturbance at the Hub Tavern, a downtown bar. As a result, Officer Elrod affected the arrest of a husband and wife who were fighting. Upon booking the pair in the booking area of the City Jail, the unhandcuffed wife grabbed Officer Elrod from behind pinning his arms. The husband took the Officer's service weapon from his holster and fired two shots at the officer at close range killing him.

Detective John W. Reifel

On June 5, 1948, Detective Reifel, a eight year veteran, working with partner Detective Herman Hall, located a homicide suspect in the 400 Block of 26th Street. The suspect was wanted for questioning in regards to a murder. Upon approaching the suspect, the suspect produced a weapon and shot both detectives. Detective Johnny Fox who was arriving on the scene, shot the suspect.  Detective Hall survived his wounds, however, Detective Reifel did not. Detective Reifel was forty-four years of age and survived by wife and three children.

Patrolman Melvin H. Nelson
  

On April 3, 1952, Officer Nelson, thirty-seven years of age, a three and a half year veteran, were test driving a police motorcycle. Officer Nelson and a passenger were westbound on Seawall Boulevard following a vehicle. Upon approaching the intersection of Ferry Road and Seawall, Officer Nelson sounded the motorcycle siren as he was passing the vehicle. The sound of the siren startled the driver of the vehicle in front, and the driver veered to the left striking the motorcycle. Officer Nelson and his passenger were killed.

Patrolman George Froeschl
  

On April 08, 1952, Patrolman Froeschl, age twenty-six, a two year veteran, had just finished his tour of duty, and was being driven home by a fellow officer in a patrol unit. The officers heard a radio broadcast in reference to a drowning subject at 21st and Seawall. The officers responded to the scene.An officer later recalled, "about 500 hundred people were standing there watching a woman drowning. He (Froeschl) saw it his duty to try to save her."Officer Froeschl disregarding his own safety, entered the surf, and rescued a Dallas woman. Officer Froeschl was transported to the hospital for cold exposure and shock He subsequently contracted pneumonia and died. A newspaper account stated Officer Froeschl, performed a gallant act beyond the call of duty." He was survived by a wife and two children.

Patrolman A.B. McGaffey III
 

On June 11, 1954, motorcycle patrolman McGaffey, a two year veteran, while on dinner break heard a radio broadcast via his police radio in reference to a suspect at 2819 Ave H. shooting a bystanders and city firemen from a second story window: Although not dispatched, Officer McGaffey disregarded his dinner with his family, and headed to the scene to assist his fellow officers. The suspect attempted to flee the building through a back door. Officer McGaffey ran around the side, to the rear yard of the building to intercept the suspect. As the suspect ran out of the back door Officer McGaffev charged the suspect and both began to struggle. McGaffey lost his footing and fell to the ground. At that time the suspect shot the officer twice while he lay on the ground. Officer McGaffey died as a result of his wounds. The suspect was taken into custody after a lengthy battle with police, Officer McGaffey was twenty-four years of age and survived by a wife and two children.

Patrolman Gregory Urquiaga, Jr.
 

On December 11, 1976, shortly after 11:00 p.m., Narcotics Officer Urquiaga, was involved in a narcotics investigation involving a heroin suspect. Narcotics officers were at the Islander East Condominiums where they made entry to the suspect's apartment. The suspect was not there, however, was lured back to the building by the suspect's girlfriend. After an elevator opened with no one inside, officers began to scramble in search of the suspect. While officers were checking the eighth floor stairwell, a fellow officer observed a pistol and body coming quickly around the corner. The officer fired at what he believed was a suspect, however, it turned out to be Officer Urquiaga. He died as a result of his wounds. Officer Urquiaga, a three year veteran, was survived by a wife.

Patrolman Robert Louis John

On August 16, 1990, at 3:15 p.m., Officer John, age forty-seven a fifteen year veteran, was enroute to the Bob Pagan Dealership he was delivering to them a patrol car to be serviced. While crossing railroad tracks on 77th Street between Broadway Bayside Drive, Officer John's unit was struck by the Texas Limited Passenger Train. Officer John was killed instantly