William Grabeck

Sergeant

New Britain

End of Watch: 11/5/1951

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Sgt. Grabeck was shot at point blank range when he was dispatched to a holdup in progress at a large packing plant. He was able to return fire and wound the robber, but later died of his injuries.

One November 5, 1951, at approximately 5:26 p.m., Sgt. Grabeck and Officer Theodore Wojtusik were dispatched to a "holdup in progress" at a large packing plant located at 322 Washington Street. Upon arrival Sgt. Grabeck entered the front door and send officer Wojtusik to the rear of the building.

Sgt. Grabeck located the robber in the office area of the packing plant and observed that he was armed with a revolver. Sgt. Grabeck ordered the man to drop the gun, but the robber shot at Sgt. Grabeck at point blank range striking him five times. His badge did deflect one of the bullets. Despite being shot, Sgt. Grabeck was able to return fire and wound the robber.

Sgt. Grabeck was taken to New Britain General Hospital where he expired after being briefly resuscitated. The Mayor New Britain at the time, John L. Sullivan praised Sgt. Grabeck as a "man of rare courage".

Ultimately the man responsible for the death of Sgt. Grabeck was executed at the Ct. State Prison on October 26, 1959.