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Incident
Officer Kepford was struck and killed by an automobile at the intersection of 4th and Chestnut Streets at 1745 hours. He was walking into the intersection to direct traffic when he was struck. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries one our later.
Survivors
Officer Kepford served with the Harrisburg Police Bureau for ten years and was survived by his parents and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- 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.
Patrol Officer Kepford gave the Harrisburg Police Bureau 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Kepford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Harrisburg Police Bureau has lost 7 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
Melvin is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Melvin is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Melvin 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 1918, 5 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 22nd heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1918, 39 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 108th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1918, 44 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 112th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Melvin was 42. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. Melvin had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
Melvin was 42. 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. Melvin had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Melvin was 42. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Melvin had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 10.6% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 57.1% of all 7 deaths at Harrisburg Police Bureau, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, 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.
His people
Harrisburg Police Bureau has 7 officers remembered here, Melvin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Harrisburg Police Bureau are honored on badge.nw.
