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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Phillipsburg Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Kenneth is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 6 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kenneth was 35. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Kenneth was 35. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Kenneth was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Thursdays: 13.3%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Phillipsburg Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Phillipsburg Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Kenneth among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Phillipsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
