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Incident
Office Gary Fletcher succumbed to injuries sustained two days earlier while assisting at the scene of a fire.
He had attached a fire hose to a hydrant when a fire engine pulled away. The hose came loose and wrapped around his feet. Officer Fletcher was thrown to the ground and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
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 Fletcher served with the Durham Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Durham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Fletcher.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Durham Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Gary is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
Gary is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Gary 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 1978, 4 officers in NC were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1978, 78 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1978, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Gary was 23. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35.
Gary was 23. 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.
Gary was 23. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
February holds 5.9% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Thursdays: 15.6%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Durham Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, 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
Durham Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Gary among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Durham Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
