Prev
Incident
Patrolman Joseph O'Brien was killed when his patrol car was struck by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver. Patrolman O'Brien was conducting an investigation at the scene of an accident when his patrol car was struck by the vehicle. Patrolman O'Brien and the driver of one of the vehicle involved in the original vehicle accident were standing outside the patrol car, between it and another car and were crushed between the cars. A subsequent investigation reveled that the driver of the vehicle that struck Patrolman O'Brien was intoxicated. She was charged with DWI and sentenced to one year in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman O'Brien was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpn4emd0nxmgxh5ef5z0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Joseph. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman O'Brien served with the Windsor Locks Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Windsor Locks community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Brien.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joseph is the only officer of Windsor Locks Police Department remembered here.
Joseph is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 1 officer in CT was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 4.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 43. Of the 70 killed feloniously in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 46.5; the middle age was 39.
Joseph was 43. 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.
Joseph was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 9.5% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Tuesdays: 9.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Windsor Locks Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 14.9% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Windsor Locks Police Department are honored on badge.nw.