David G. Bissett

Private David Bissett was killed when his patrol car was struck by a vehicle that failed to yield right of way at the intersection of Piney Branch Road and Old Bladensburg Road (modern Day University Boulevard) in Silver Spring. He was on Old Bladensburg Road, responding to a fire with his emergency equipment activated when the crash occurred. Private Bissett was ejected from the vehicle upon impact and severely injured. He succumbed to his injuries early the next morning. The driver of the other car was acquitted of manslaughter charges but convicted of failing to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle after it was determined the signal controlling the intersection was not functioning correctly. Private Bissett was a combat WWII veteran and had served with the Montgomery County Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.