Sergeant Robert J. Harris, Nassau County Police Department, New York

Sergeant Robert J. Harris

Nassau County Police Department, New York

End of Watch Wednesday, May 17, 1978

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Robert J. Harris

Sergeant Robert Harris was killed in a helicopter accident when the police helicopter he was piloting developed engine problems and crashed near the Southern State Parkway.

When the helicopter began to experience an engine problem, Sergeant Harris declined an emergency landing at a school because children were nearby. The helicopter crashed as he attempted to locate an alternate location to land.

Sergeant Harris was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the Nassau County Police Department for 29 years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 53
Tour 29 years
Badge 150

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

helicopter crash, mechanical failure

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was 13 at the time of the crash, and we were out in the street on Twin Lane N in Wantagh playing roller hockey. We saw the chopper go over our heads when the engine suddenly stopped. We all skated over in the direction of the crash and saw the smoking remains just as first responders were arriving. He came down in the area of the Southern State Parkway exit ramp that we used to walk to school every day. I often think about the incident. It has stuck with me for all these years. May Sgt Harris rest in peace, and my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Harold

September 26, 2025