Age:  59
Served:  26 years
1902 to July 18, 1928

On March 19, 1927, just before midnight, Patrolman McChesney responded to a report of a man shooting out street lights on Fifteenth Avenue.  Upon arrival, he found 23-year-old Mem White.  As he approached, White pulled a firearm from his coat and shot Patrolman McChesney.  Patrolman McChesney was taken to the hospital and White was arrested and charged with Assault with Intent to Kill.  Patrolman McChesney recovered well enough to return to limited duty as a desk officer.   On July 15, 1927, White pleaded guilty and was sentenced to ten to twenty years in prison. 

Sixteen months after being shot, on July 17, 1928, Patrolman McChensney was rushed back to Middletown Hospital with an obstructed bowel caused by the gunshot wound to the diaphragm.  He died the next day, July 18, 1928, while undergoing surgery.  The prosecutor determined that White could not be charged with Murder due to double jeopardy.

Patrolman McChesney was survived by his wife (56), Laura Elizabeth, and seven children, including, Zella (27), Helen F. (28), Laura E.  (24), Margaret E. (21), George (19), and Mary (18).  He was buried on in Woodside Cemetery. 

Patrolman McChesney was also survived by his mother, Mary Elizabeth (80).  She was also taken to the hospital on July 17 and died at 3 p.m. on July 22, 1928, 24 hours after his burial and attributed in part by the coroner to the death of her son.

If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.