Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Red Vandergrift was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance at an apartment at 350 Chambers Street. When he arrived on the scene he was met by the wife and the son of the suspect. Patrolman Vandergift spoke to them and began to accompany them upstairs. As he attempted to ascend to the third floor the male subject emerged and opened fire with a rifle, striking Patrolman Vandergrift. Patrolman Vandergrift was able to move to a safe location and was then taken by neighbors to Warren Hospital. He died in the hospital three days later. The subject who shot him committed suicide after shooting Patrolman Vandergrift. On November 20th, 2003, Patrolman Vandergrift was posthumously awarded the agency's Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to his 80-year-old daughter. On July 23rd, 2004, a bridge in Phillipsburg was dedicated the Kenneth "Red" Vandergrift Bridge.
Survivors
Patrolman Vandergrift was survived by his wife and 7-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-9EC948E2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Vandergrift served with the Phillipsburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Phillipsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Vandergrift.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Kenneth W. Vandergrift is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NJ, 229 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.4% of this state's fallen. That is 35.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Phillipsburg Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Kenneth W. Vandergrift's cause is highlighted.
How Kenneth W. Vandergrift Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Kenneth W. Vandergrift is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Kenneth W. Vandergrift was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Phillipsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
