On an autumn evening in New Brunswick, New Jersey, a dedicated police detective's life was cut tragically short in a sudden and unforeseen incident. Richard E. McGilvery, a 33-year-old male officer with the Rutgers University Police Department, was in the midst of his duties on October 6, 1978, when the unexpected occurred. He and his partner were actively responding to a report of a burglary in progress on the Douglass Campus, a situation that officers routinely face, yet one that always
carries inherent risks.
While in pursuit of a suspect on Nichol Street, a fateful accident unfolded. As he was running, Detective McGilvery's service revolver became dislodged from its holster. The firearm struck the ground and, upon impact, discharged a single round. The bullet struck McGilvery, inflicting a mortal wound that pierced his liver and lung. His partner, hearing the shot, quickly came to his aid. He was rushed to Saint Peter's Hospital for emergency medical attention.
Despite the swift response and the efforts of medical personnel, the damage was too severe. Detective McGilvery was pronounced dead later that evening, leaving behind a wife and a young son. The investigation that followed confirmed the tragic nature of the event, ruling his death an accidental shooting. Consequently, there were no suspects sought and no arrests made in connection with the incident, as it was determined to be a heartbreaking accident in the line of duty. His seven years of service to the university community were honored, and his memory has been kept alive by his family, including his son who would later follow in his father's footsteps to become a police officer, and the department he served.
