Patrolman John Joseph Gerka Jr.

Patrolman Gerka and two rookies were investigating a suspicious car when Patrolman Gerka was shot and killed. Patrolman Donald Cook was shot and died two days later. Patrolman Gerka had approached the vehicle from the side when one of the suspects shot him at point blank range in the heart. The rookie, Patrolman Donald Cook was also shot. The other rookie was able to disarm the gunman but was knocked to the ground by a second suspect. Both suspects were arrested, convicted and sentenced to death. They were executed on February 23, 1949.