United States of America
U.S. Army · United States 
Arthur McKenna
1947
Arthur McKenna served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
Gunfire
What Happened
Sergeant Arthur McKenna was shot and killed with his own service weapon after being assaulted in an unprovoked attack.
He was on duty at approximately 2:00 am, eating breakfast at a local diner on 38th Street, when a man walked up behind him, grabbed his gun, and shot him twice in the back. Two nearby officers who heard the shots ran into the diner and arrested the man, who was later learned to be a self-proclaimed cop-hater.
Sergeant McKenna was taken to North Hudson Hospital, where he died a short time later.
The suspect, 22, was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He was denied parole on June 13, 1958.
Sergeant McKenna was a United States World War I veteran and served with the Union City Police Department for 21 years.
He was on duty at approximately 2:00 am, eating breakfast at a local diner on 38th Street, when a man walked up behind him, grabbed his gun, and shot him twice in the back. Two nearby officers who heard the shots ran into the diner and arrested the man, who was later learned to be a self-proclaimed cop-hater.
Sergeant McKenna was taken to North Hudson Hospital, where he died a short time later.
The suspect, 22, was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He was denied parole on June 13, 1958.
Sergeant McKenna was a United States World War I veteran and served with the Union City Police Department for 21 years.
Keepsakes
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Union City Police Department
Sergeant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
September 9, 2026
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