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Incident
Officer James Cavanaugh was struck and killed by a dump truck while directing traffic on Westport- Easton Road south of Sturges Highway in Fairfield at 9:30 am. The dump truck was backing up when it hit Officer Cavanaugh. He was transported to Norwalk Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries upon arrival. He was survived by his wife, one son, five daughters, and 12 grandchildren. His son also served with the Fairfield Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, one son, five daughters, and 12 grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Officer Cavanaugh served with the Fairfield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Fairfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Cavanaugh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of Fairfield Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 73 officers lost to accidents in CT, 43.2% of the 169 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 2 officers in CT were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 53 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 4.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1966, 95 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 68. Of the 63 lost to accidents in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47; the middle age was 39.
James was 68. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
James was 68. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
April holds 2.7% of these deaths in CT; July holds the most, 19.2%. Mondays: 8.2%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Fairfield Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 43.2% of all 169 deaths in CT, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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