Rodney Bonney
1981
Rodney C. Bonney served the U.S. Navy for 4 years. Rodney also served in the U.S. Navy. Rodney served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Police Officer Rocky Bonney drowned while trying to save a teenage boy who had fallen into the icy Androscoggin River while walking along a railroad trestle. Officer Bonney was the first officer to arrive at the scene and immediately took off his jacket and service belt. He dove into the river and was able to make it to the boy. The boy began to struggle with Officer Bonney out of fear. A second officer arrived at the scene and also entered the water. Realizing that he could not continue, Officer Bonney pushed the boy towards the other officer. The other officer grabbed the boy as Officer Bonney fell below the surface. The boy continued to struggle and also fell below the surface after causing the other officer to lose his grip. Officer Bonney's body was not located until the following afternoon. A park near the site was later named in his memory. Officer Bonney was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Auburn Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1968 – 1972
1972 – 1974
U.S. Navy
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Auburn Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqk8v1wp2zpt896812pe
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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