Officer Joseph McGovern was struck and killed in a chain reaction accident started by a drunk driver. The drunk driver, Herman A. Williams, attempted to drive between two stopped vehicles, striking a vehicle turning right on Arsenal at the intersection of Arsenal Street and Iowa knocking the rear wheel off of William's vehicle, struck a concrete electrical pole and finally struck Officer McGovern, crushing him against the brick wall of the Sartorius Provision Company. Williams, who was intoxicated, was arrested and charged with manslaughter.

Officer McGovern had been with the agency for 21 years joining on June 18, 1907. He was survived by his wife, Mollie, and nine children. Interred: Mount Olive Cemetery.