Police memorial held in Port Jervis

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print
Funeral for slain Port Jervis City Police Officer John MacKechnie (photo: Port Jervis Police Archives)
Off. John MacKechnie

PORT JERVIS – Several dozen individuals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS, elected officials, and the family of John MacKechnie gathered at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Monday, Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, to remember the sacrifices of fallen Port Jervis Police Department Officer MacKechnie and thousands of other officers killed in the line of duty over time.

Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden stood beside Officer MacKechnie’s grave as he noted the dangerous and stressful job law enforcement officers perform daily.

“In 2022, 246 officers gave the ultimate sacrifice and an average of 60,000 were assaulted or injured in the line of duty, while protecting America’s communities and safeguarding our democracies.  Over 23,000 heroic souls are enshrined on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC, including Officer John MacKechnie of Port Jervis Police Department,” Worden said.  “We are grateful to have Officer MacKechnie’s family here with us each year as we celebrate those who protect and serve, and honor those who have laid down their life.  We owe an unpayable debt and hold you in our prayers.”

Officer MacKechnie became a member of the Port Jervis Police force on March 24, 1941.  On March 18, 1949, the 38-year-old patrolman was sitting at his desk writing a report about a mentally ill man whom he had helped track down and take into custody for complaints made earlier in the day.  While completing his report, he was struck in the right side of his head and neck by that individual and strangled with the slip-knot necktie worn by officers at that time.

MacKechnie left behind his wife Kathleen and two young children.  The officer had been cited for saving lives twice during his eight years with PJPD, once for saving two children from a burning West End home and again for saving two elderly people from a boarding house fire in the Second Ward.

Pastor Ken Fanning referenced Port Jervis as a ‘dot on the map’ where people like MacKechnie keep others safe every day.  He urged those gathered to remember those from the past, and to always think about what matters most.

PJPD Sgt. Daniel Mioglionico offered gratitude for support of law enforcement officers.

“I want you to know that even though it may seem like there is little appreciation for what we do, the overwhelming majority of the population supports us even though they may not always understand split-second decisions we have to make,” Mioglionico said.

MacKecknie’s son John, who attends the service annually, expressed similar gratitude.  John was only 17-months old when his father was murdered, and his sister Kathleen was six.

John said that while he does not recall his father first-hand, he has heard stories his entire life and grew up knowing many of the officers who served with his dad. “So, I feel like I knew him.  I believe he was a gentle person who looked out for other people.  He looked out for kids and people who needed his help.  I think he was a special person,” John said.   “We’re so happy that the police and community remembers my dad, and we’re just so happy that no one else has died in the life of duty here.  We support the police.  It’s a very tough job, and I think it’s gotten even tougher.”

A nephew, Russ MacKechnie, was to have been the godson of Officer MacKechnie.

“I was born before he died, and my family had fixed on John being my godfather.  But sadly, after that arrangement was made John was murdered on duty.  So, the good folks had to switch things around, and instead of John MacKechnie being my godfather, his wife Kathleen MacKechnie, one of the most beautiful and nicest women in the world, became my godmother,” Russ said.  “So often memories are lost, but thanks to all of the good folks in this community a man who gave his life so long ago is remembered year-after-year by everyone in this city, and the legacy of John MacKechnie lives on.  We are so grateful.”

Police Week is being celebrated nationwide from May 14 through May 20, 2023. Worden noted the unprecedented risks and increased challenges faced by law enforcement officers and asked for support and prayers, and God’s blessings on all peacemakers that they return home each night.




Popular Stories