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Incident
Night Watchman McCluskey was shot and killed after arresting a man in an alley for vagrancy. As he escorted the prisoner to jail the suspect, who was not searched or handcuffed, produced a .32 caliber handgun and shot Watchman McCluskey in the stomach. The shooting happened as the two crossed F Street, which is present-day Gateway Drive, near the old Madera County Jail. Watchman McCluskey succumbed to his wounds two days later.
The suspect, who was also wanted for several car thefts, was apprehended, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to ten years to life in prison. He was paroled in 1932.
Watchman McCluskey had been in law enforcement for 28 years and had been appointed Night Watchman only two months earlier.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two stepchildren.
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
28 years. You could have gone home.
Night Watchman McCluskey gave the Madera Police Department 28 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Madera community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman McCluskey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madera Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Bernard is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Bernard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bernard 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 1919, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Bernard was 69. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Bernard had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Bernard was 69. 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. Bernard had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Bernard was 69. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Bernard had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Madera Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% 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 handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Madera Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Bernard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 8-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Madera Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
