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In Memoriam
From a very law-abiding community, where we once left our doors and windows
open, without fear, where members of the community as well as the Police were
respected, to total wanton disregard for law and order, are those who protect
its freedom. History has left a trail of senseless and often forgotten death
for Virgin Islands Police Officers in the District of St. Croix.
The first officer killed in the line of duty was Patrolman Leopold E.
Fredericks, a motorcycle patrolman, who served from 1959 to 1963. While
pursuing a traffic violation on the Centerline Road (Queen Mary Highway),
Officer Fredericks was killed in a traffic accident.
The second officer killed was Patrolman Patrick E. Sweeney, who served
from 1974 to 1975. On the afternoon of Monday October 27, 1975, several
intruders entered the grounds of Elena Christian Jr. High School. Patrolman
Sweeney, in the performance of his duty, attempted to eject these intruders.
The intruders assaulted, shot and fatally wounded the officer.
The third officer killed was Patrolman Wilbur H. Francis, who served
from 1973 to 1977. On the morning of Saturday, July 30, 1977, Patrolman Francis
responded to a "burglary in progress" on Hill Street, Christiansted. In the
performance of his duty, he was shot and fatally wounded.
The fourth officer killed was Police Officer Dexter L. Mardenborough,
who served from 1989 to 1991. On Sunday January 27, 1991 at 2:18 a.m., Police
Officer Mardenborough responded to a call for police assistance on King Street,
Christiansted. He later pursued three suspects, one of whom turned and shot the
officer, who fell mortally wounded.
The fifth officer killed was Police Officer Cuthbert E. Chapman, who
served from 1992 to 2004. On Saturday, April 17, 2004, Police Officer Chapman
was shot several times during a robbery attempt at the Wendy's Restaurant in
the Sunny Isle Shopping Center. Police Officer Chapman died of his injuries on
April 26, 2004, after being airlifted to Puerto Rico for treatment.
Police Officer James R. Marrishow, who
served from 1987 to 2005, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2005.
Click here for more information.
Retired Sargeant Liston Gumbs was killed during a robbery on Monday, June 7, 2008.
Click here for more information.
Source: Historical Profiles of the St. Croix District of the Virgin Islands
Police Dept.
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