Patrolman Maurice J. Vonck, Oregon Police Department, Ohio

Patrolman Maurice J. Vonck

Oregon Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Friday, January 29, 1965

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Maurice J. Vonck

Patrolman Vonck was accidentally shot and killed when a gun fell from his pocket and discharged.

Officer Vonck and his partner had been working plainclothes on an investigation of the $1200 robbery the Sunday night before of a local store owner. They had just returned to their unmarked car when Patrolman Vonck said he thought he had dropped some money on the floor of the back seat. Patrolman Vonck plugged an emergency light into the cigar lighter, got out of the car, and bent over to shine the light on the floor in the rear of the car. As he did, a two-shot derringer fell from his shirt pocket. The small weapon did not have a trigger guard and discharged when it hit the curb. Patrolman Vonck died the next day at St. Vincent's Hospital.

Patrolman Vonck was a U.S. Navy veteran who served with the Oregon Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Incident Date Thursday, January 28, 1965

accidental discharge

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Patrolman Vonck,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 29, 2025