Stuart Taira

Tuesday, March 1, 1983

Taira, Stuart

Rank: Technical Reserve

Serial Number: Unknown

Division: Air Support Division

Location: 52nd St and Broadway

Date Killed: Tuesday, March 1, 1983

Cause of Death: Helicopter Crash

Bio: Reserve Officer Taira was killed as a result
of a police helicopter crash. Reserve Officer Taira, an observer
for the helicopter unit, and two other officers were conducting
aerial patrols following a tornado. In between patrols the officers
were dispatched to investigate a report of a burglar on a roof. As
the helicopter took off it struck a power line, causing it to
crash. The officers survived the initial impact and Reserve Officer
Taira was able to exit the aircraft.

Reserve Officer Taira then returned to the aircraft in an attempt
to rescue his two partners. One of the helicopter's rotors struck
Reserve Officer Taira in the head, killing him.

Reserve Officer Taira was posthumously awarded the department's
Medal of Valor.