Robert P. Murray
1926-1962
Officer Robert Murray was born in Corvallis, Oregon. He was a veteran of four years with the Navy, served as a police officer in Coos Bay and Dundee, and was a warehouseman when hired by the Bureau.
Appointed to the Bureau on March 26, 1959 at the age of 33, he completed probation in 1960 and was assigned to motorcycle patrol beginning in late 1961.
The Incident
On May 2, 1962, officer Murray was on traffic detail at the east end of the Burnside Bridge. He had finished by putting standards back on the sidewalk on 3rd Avenue under the bridge. He drove off, heading north on 3rd when the motorcycle suddenly veered to the right and struck a bridge abutment. Murray was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. It appeared that his kickstand had dropped, causing the bike to go out of control.
Officer Murray was 36 and survived by his wife and two children.
Appointed to the Bureau on March 26, 1959 at the age of 33, he completed probation in 1960 and was assigned to motorcycle patrol beginning in late 1961.
The Incident
On May 2, 1962, officer Murray was on traffic detail at the east end of the Burnside Bridge. He had finished by putting standards back on the sidewalk on 3rd Avenue under the bridge. He drove off, heading north on 3rd when the motorcycle suddenly veered to the right and struck a bridge abutment. Murray was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. It appeared that his kickstand had dropped, causing the bike to go out of control.
Officer Murray was 36 and survived by his wife and two children.