In memoriam

All give some. Some give all.

The Auburn Police Department remembers the two officers who gave their lives in the performance of their duties. Their courage and their service will never be forgotten.

End of Watch · July 7, 1949

Police Officer Norman C. Philbrick

Rank

Police Officer

End of watch

Thursday, July 7, 1949

Cause

Struck by vehicle

Age

Service

2 years with the Auburn Police Department

Survived by

His wife and two daughters

On July 7, 1949, Lewiston fire crews were called to Auburn to help fight a major structure fire. Officer Philbrick was directing traffic at the intersection of Main Street and Court Street when two fire trucks collided there, and he was struck and killed. Lewiston Fire Captain Russell H. Tarr and Private Marcien Vallee also died.

The force of the impact bent Officer Philbrick’s duty weapon to nearly ninety degrees. It is displayed at the Auburn Police Department as a reminder of his sacrifice.

On the 75th anniversary of his death, July 7, 2024, the city dedicated the intersection as Officer Norman Philbrick Square. The department’s K-9 Brick, now retired, was also named in his honor.

Officer Down Memorial Page →

End of Watch · April 6, 1981

Police Officer Rodney C. “Rocky” Bonney

Rank

Police Officer

End of watch

Monday, April 6, 1981

Cause

Drowned

Age

Service

2 years with the Auburn Police Department

Survived by

His wife, son and daughter

On the night of April 6, 1981, a 15-year-old boy fell from the railroad trestle into the icy Androscoggin River. Officer Bonney was the first officer to arrive. He removed his jacket and duty belt, went into the water and swam to the boy.

When another officer reached them, Officer Bonney, unable to hold on any longer, pushed the boy toward him before slipping beneath the surface. The boy was also lost to the river. Officer Bonney’s body was recovered the following afternoon.

Bonney Park on Main Street is named in his honor, and the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission recognized his attempt to save the boy.

Officer Down Memorial Page →

Fallen Officer Memorial

Court and Turner Streets.

Auburn’s law enforcement memorial stands at the intersection of Court and Turner Streets, across from City Hall, a short distance from where both officers lost their lives. It was moved there from the police department in 2011 and rededicated on May 15, 2012.

Each year on the anniversaries of their deaths, Auburn officers wear mourning bands in their memory.

Sources: City of Auburn, In Memoriam · Officer Down Memorial Page · Carnegie Hero Fund Commission · Sun Journal