unheralded hero

Police Officer George "tom" emery

Death Classification: Line of Duty Death


Agency: Eaton Rapids Police Department


Rank: Police Officer


Badge:  Unknown


Served: 10 Years


Unit of Assignment / Detail: Night Watch


Location of Incident (Present Day): Eaton Rapids, Michigan


Cause of Death: Heart Attack


Age at Time of Death: 65

Timeline


Date of Birth: 1 September 1881

Date of Appointment: Unknown

Date of Incident: 31 May 1947

End of Watch: 31 May 1947

Date of Interment: Unknown

 

Unheralded Hero Investigation Began: 27 August 2021

Accepted By Agency: October 2021

Approved By National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: 1 December 2021

 

Interment Details


 Cemetery: Oakwood Cemetery, Eaton Rapids, Michigan
 Grave Location: 24H 2535
 Interment Disposition: Burial

 

Service


 Military Service: No Military Service

 

Memorial Details


National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall: Panel 60 East Line 32

Officer Down Memorial Page: Listed

Memorial at the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum: Not Listed

Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: Panel 8 West

Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial: Not Listed

 

Incident & Biographic Details


Policeman George Emery suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after engaging in a violent struggle while attempting to arrest three men who were fighting in an alley at about 7:15 pm.

Emery who was known to residents as "Tom The Nightwatchman" had placed one of the men in custody. Emery walked out of the alley and suddenly collapsed. All three men who had been involved in the fight were arrested pending an inquest into Policeman Emery's death.

Policeman Emery had served with the Eaton Rapids Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, four children, two brothers and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by an infant son.