Roll of Honor
Incident
Corporal Bruce McKay was shot and killed during a motor vehicle stop.
Corporal McKay pulled over a suspect for speeding on Route 116. The suspect then fled in his vehicle, leading the officer on a brief pursuit. The officer pulled his cruiser in front of the suspect's vehicle, forcing him off the road. Corporal McKay then used pepper spray on the suspect while attempting to take him into custody. After being pepper sprayed, the suspect produced a handgun and shot the officer four times, killing him. The suspect then ran over the officer.
A civilian witnessed the incident and pulled his vehicle between the suspect's vehicle and Corporal McKay, in an effort to shield him. The civilian, a former United States Marine, then exited his vehicle and rushed to the officer's aid. He grabbed Corporal McKay's gun, while his son called for help on Corporal McKay's radio. The civilian then ordered the suspect to drop his weapon. When the suspect refused, the civilian shot and killed the suspect.
The suspect had previously been convicted of assaulting Corporal McKay during a vehicle stop in 2003.
Corporal McKay had served with the Franconia Police Department for 12 years.
A civilian witnessed the incident and pulled his vehicle between the suspect's vehicle and Corporal McKay, in an effort to shield him. The civilian, a former United States Marine, then exited his vehicle and rushed to the officer's aid. He grabbed Corporal McKay's gun, while his son called for help on Corporal McKay's radio. The civilian then ordered the suspect to drop his weapon. When the suspect refused, the civilian shot and killed the suspect.
Corporal McKay had served with the Franconia Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his daughter, fiancee, parents, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NH-8C8E2BC4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew N.. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Corporal McKay gave the Franconia Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Franconia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal McKay.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Corporal N. Bruce McKay, III is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NH, 23 of 59 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 39% of this state's fallen. That is 15.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. N. Bruce McKay, III's cause is highlighted.
How N. Bruce McKay, III Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed by a civilian
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. N. Bruce McKay, III is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. N. Bruce McKay, III was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.