Today, we remember and honor the sacrifice of fallen hero Sergeant Arthur W. Koch.
38 years ago today, in the early hours of July 29, 1984, newly promoted Sergeant Koch, a five-year veteran of the Fairfield Police Department, tragically lost his life.
The 34-year-old father of three was finishing what would have been his last shift as a patrol officer, when he responded to a call for shots fired. As he exited his vehicle and walked towards the suspect’s house, Koch was ambushed. After striking Sergeant Koch with bullets from a high-powered rifle, the suspect continued his barrage of bullets, keeping rescuers at bay for nearly 20 minutes. With the assistance of the Fairfield Police Department, officers were able to rescue Sergeant Koch and transport him to a local hospital. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Sergeant Koch was the City of Fairfield’s first officer to die in the line-of-duty, but to all of us – his family, friends and community – he represents so much more. He’s an example of what it means to serve your community with passion and purpose. May his memory live on in each of us – in word and in deed.
To the Koch family, we will never forget Sergeant Koch's sacrifice or his service.
Sgt. Arthur W. Koch
Appointed: January 12, 1979
End of Watch: July 29, 1984
