Sergeant Morris Van Dyck Hubbard, a dedicated officer with the San Jose Police Department, was tragically killed in the line of duty on July 12. He was the first officer in the department’s history to lose his life while serving his community.
The incident occurred as Sgt. Hubbard responded to a report of a man forcibly removing a woman from a residence on East Julian Street. Hubbard, a plainclothes detective and seven-year veteran of the force, was accompanied by Officer Murphy when they located the suspect and the woman near Julian and 15th Streets.
According to a statement from the San Jose Police Department, Hubbard ordered the suspect to surrender. The suspect responded by firing a single shot. Though neither officer was hit initially, a gunfight ensued. During the exchange, Sgt. Hubbard was shot in the abdomen. He was rushed to San Jose Hospital but succumbed to his injuries during surgery. The suspect was also killed after being shot in the wrist and chest.
Sgt. Hubbard’s sacrifice was formally recognized by the department, which posted:
“Sergeant Hubbard was the first San Jose Police Officer killed in the line of duty. We would like to remember Sergeant Morris Van Dyck Hubbard with a moment of silence.”
Hubbard is survived by his wife and children. He is buried at Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery, and his name is honored on the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Recent weeks have seen a rise in violent incidents across San Jose. Just a day after the anniversary of Hubbard’s death, a stabbing incident led to a fatal police shooting. Days earlier, a 37-year-old man was shot and killed during a confrontation with officers responding to a mental health emergency, according to Police Chief Paul Joseph.
As the city continues to grapple with these challenges, the legacy of Sgt. Hubbard’s bravery and dedication stands as a solemn reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.Tools
