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Incident
Sergeant John Gilbert succumbed to injuries when he was struck by a drunk driver while directing traffic at the intersection of North Cary Street and Court Street in Brockton. Construction crews were working to unclog a storm drain and Sergeant Gilbert was directing traffic around the site. A vehicle struck his patrol car and slammed into him. He was transported to Brockton Hospital where he died ten days later from head injuries. The 26-year-old driver was charged with drunk driving and vehicular homicide. Sergeant Gilbert had served with the Brockton Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Sergeant Gilbert gave the Brockton Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Brockton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Gilbert.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Brockton Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1984, 2 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1984, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1984, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 43. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
John was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 5.5% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Thursdays: 13.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Brockton Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 10.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Brockton Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Brockton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
