U.S. Coast Guard · United States 
Michael Rusnak
1966
Michael G. Rusnak served the U.S. Coast Guard.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Detective Michael Rusnak was investigating a disturbance at 21st Avenue and Vermont Street when he was shot and killed. The tavern's manager had reported that a man was waving a gun at the patrons. Upon the officer's arrival, Detective Rusnak was shot through the heart as he entered the side door. The suspect was chased three blocks and caught by his partner, Officer George Lowe, who ironically was also shot and killed in the line of duty nearly four years later. The suspect was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, and committed suicide while incarcerated. Detective Rusnak was a United States Coast Guard Reserve World War II veteran who had served with the Gary Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
Service Record
U.S. Coast Guard
Also Served
Gary Police Department
Detective
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpqc1mna311e8537zd0z
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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