Police Officer George R. Kempen, Nassau County Police Department, New York

Police Officer George R. Kempen

Nassau County Police Department, New York

End of Watch Sunday, November 14, 1976

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George R. Kempen

Officer Kempen was accidentally shot and killed by another officer following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle on the Southern State Parkway.

When Officer Kempen arrived, a Long Island State Parkway Police patrolman was struggling with a suspect. The officer's weapon discharged during the struggle, and the round struck Officer Kempen.

The suspect, who was struggling with the patrolman, was sentenced to four years for criminally negligent homicide.

Officer Kempen had served with Nassau County Police Department for 15 years. He was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 15 years
Badge 1312

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

accidental discharge, pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was a Parkway Police Officer with 3 years + on when this occurred. When the perp burst out of the stolen car I almost had a hand on him when he crashed into Officer K*. The round passed behind me and struck Officer Kempen who had just exited his patrol car. Scenario has haunted me for years. If we had maintained a perimeter everyone would have went home that night.

INV. D. E. Faro
NYSP (Ret.)

July 29, 2025