Lieutenant Ronald Opie Mcpherson was 27 when he died on May 2, 1979, during a SWAT training exercise at the Cummins Unit. The Arkansas Department of Corrections officer was killed by an accidental firearm discharge during the drill. Born November 21, 1951, in Pine Bluff, he left behind his wife and two children and was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas.

Reports describe his death as an accident and say it was not the result of a criminal act; there were no suspects or arrests. Mcpherson’s death underscores the dangers officers can face even in training situations. If anyone knew Lieutenant Mcpherson or has information about the circumstances of that day, please share what you remember.