Arthur McKenna served in the U.S. Army.
Gunfire
Sergeant Arthur McKenna was shot and killed with his own service weapon after being assaulted in an unprovoked attack.
He was on duty at approximately 2:00 am, eating breakfast at a local diner on 38th Street, when a man walked up behind him, grabbed his gun, and shot him twice in the back. Two nearby officers who heard the shots ran into the diner and arrested the man, who was later learned to be a self-proclaimed cop-hater.
Sergeant McKenna was taken to North Hudson Hospital, where he died a short time later.
The suspect, 22, was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He was denied parole on June 13, 1958.
Sergeant McKenna was a United States World War I veteran and served with the Union City Police Department for 21 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant McKenna gave the Union City Police Department 21 years.
Thank you for your service to the Union City community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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