Deputy Keeper Joseph H. Tinney
New Jersey Department of Corrections
New Jersey
End of Watch: Saturday, February 4, 1928

Biographical Info
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, February 4, 1928
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Keeper Tinney was shot and killed as two inmates attempted to escape from the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. Handguns had been smuggled into the prison for the two suspects. When Keeper Tinney arrived to take the inmates to the dining hall, he was shot and killed. After killing Keeper Tinney, the inmates attempted to scale the wall. The officers in the tower opened fire on the inmates, who fired back. Both inmates were shot and wounded by the tower officers and apprehended when they fell to the ground.

Keeper Tinney had been with the department for three years and was survived by his wife.