Roger Greenfield, who grew up in Silverton, is a retired Salem Police Officer and grandson of Constable Hansford Greenfield. On Oct. 28, 2019, Roger contacted Silverton Police regarding his grandfather’s line of duty death he found while researching his family tree.
A historical investigation ensued, working with Roger Greenfield’s family records, the City of Silverton records, the Silverton Historical Society and local historical news media accounts which covered the incident. From
the investigation, it was determined that Constable Hansford “Harry” Greenfield was born on Jan. 24, 1883 in Nebraska and in 1937, he and his family moved to Silverton. Constable Greenfield worked for the Silverton Police Department. His duties included working in the Silverton Justice Court among other police duties.
On Tuesday evening, Feb. 24, 1942, Constable Greenfield, along with Police Chief Grossnickle and Officer A.M. Amo responded to a reported burglary at a downtown tavern where “Mac’s Place” is located today. The officers checked the tavern, but did not locate the burglary suspect. Afterwards, the officers were talking out front, when Constable Greenfield decided to walk back to the Police
Department as he was not feeling well. Along the way, Constable Greenfield stopped at a restroom of a gas station. Constable Greenfield was later located deceased from an apparent heart attack.
Constable Greenfield’s line of duty death had been previously unknown by past and present department members. With the information now learned, a nomination to have Constable Greenfield’s name added to the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial located at the Department of Public Safety, Standards and Training in Salem was submitted.
The nomination was approved and on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 – during the Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony – Silverton Police Constable Greenfield was formally recognized and his name is engraved on the Memorial along with other Oregon Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. At the Memorial, Governor Brown addressed those in attendance which included Roger Greenfield and his wife.
Constable Greenfield and his wife were both buried in the Silverton Cemetery on McClaine St.
