National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Police Officer

Memorial Panel: 3-W: 1

Department: Tacoma, Washington, P.D.

End of Watch: July 30, 1892

Cause: NIFE

Age: 24

Years of Service: 2

Description: Officers Minor Cudihee and John Kenna, both off duty and in plainclothes, were walking on McKinley Hill when they encountered two intoxicated men lying on the sidewalk. Officer Cudihee identified himself as a police officer and the men responded with curses. When Officer Cudihee ordered them to leave, they assaulted both officers. Officer Cudihee was stabbed under the right arm. Officer Kenna was slashed across the back of his overcoat and attacked with a large rock. The suspects fled. Officer Cudihee died before the ambulance arrived. Both suspects were captured and charged with murder. The suspects claimed self defense and were found not guilty.