Richard E. Pelkey.
Patrolman Richard Pelkey succumbed to wounds he received when he was shot in a standoff with a burglar at a cabin in Lake Placid, New York, on August 5, 1954. He and other officers had cornered a wanted burglar who was an AWOL Air Force major. The suspect, hiding in a shower stall, opened fire and struck three officers. Officer Pelkey suffered a fatal wound and died a week later. The suspect was later caught in Reno, Nevada. He was convicted of second-degree murder but only served fourteen years in prison. The man was later killed in an automobile crash in 1970. Patrolman Pelkey had served with the Lake Placid Police Department for eight years and had previously served for five years with the Quartermaster Corps during WWII.
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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
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.
Patrolman Pelkey gave the Lake Placid Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lake Placid community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Add your own tribute to Richard.
Leave a Tribute