Corporal Norbert Melvin Szczygiel, 29, was killed in Dearborn, Michigan, on Saturday, August 27, 1977, while on duty with the Dearborn Police Department. A seven-year veteran, he responded with other officers to a report of a man brandishing a firearm inside a local bar. The armed man had left the tavern and crossed the street, where a gunfight broke out between the suspect and two officers already at the scene.

As his partner left their patrol car to join the effort, Corporal Szczygiel remained behind, using the radio to call for assistance. He was struck by gunfire while holding the radio microphone and died at the scene. The suspect was taken into custody and later convicted of manslaughter. His death left his wife, son, and daughter bereaved and had a lasting effect on the community he served.

Does anyone have memories of Dearborn policing in 1977 or information about Corporal Szczygiel’s service?