Honoring Those Who Have Made The Ultimate Sacrifice

This Memorial Page is dedicated to the officers who lost their lives protecting our city, and all communities across the country. Just as our Nation's freedom and international security has been bought with the blood of those serving in our armed forces, these heroes have laid down their lives in the ongoing struggle to keep our communities safe. May this Memorial honor their memory and be a constant reminder of their sacrifice.

Officer Meredith Stanley Runck Jr.

Age: 32
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: April 05, 1974
Date of Incident: April 05, 1974
Tour of Duty: 15 months
Suspect Info: Murdered in prison
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun

Officer Runck was shot and killed with his own weapon after responding to a domestic disturbance call. Upon arrival, he was told by a female victim that the man had threatened to murder her. Officer Runck ordered the man to go home but he refused. As it began to rain Officer Runck stepped into the house and told the man not to enter it. The suspect continued to disobey the orders and was then advised that he was under arrest. Officer Runck took him by the arm and began to lead him towards the police car when a struggle ensued and Officer Runck hit the suspect with his baton.

Both men fell to the ground and the suspect gained control of Officers Runck's .357 caliber revolver and pointed it at his chest. Officer Runck shouted "Don't shoot, don't shoot" but the suspect shot him four times and then started yelling "I done shot the law." The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to 55 years in prison but was later murdered while incarcerated.

Officer Runck had been with the agency for 15 months.