National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Police Officer

Memorial Panel: 10-E: 7

Department: Newton, Iowa, P.D.

End of Watch: September 13, 1985

Cause: SHOT

Age: 36

Years of Service: 11

Description: Officer McPherren was shot and killed when he responded with other officers to a robbery at a local grocery store. He was posted at the the rear the store waiting for the robber to exit. A second robber was posted near the rear of the store as a lookout and a gunfight ensued between the officers and the suspects. Both of the suspects were wounded and fled. They were apprehended later, convicted of First Degree murder and both received life sentences without parole for the murder of Officer McPherren.