End of Watch: 05/06/1992
Agency: U.S. Bureau of A.T.F.
County: Pierce County
On Wednesday, May 6, 1992, Special Agent Johnny Masengale of the ATF was at Fort Lewis disposing of a large amount of fireworks and chemicals.
The illegal fireworks and chemicals suddenly exploded as Special Agent Masengale was working on the disposal, a day after they were confiscated from an illegal fireworks factory in Kitsap County.
The ATF honors the memory of Special Agent Masengale with the annual “Johnny A. Masengale Memorial Award,” bestowed upon a law enforcement officer for their excellence in explosives work.
Special Agent Masengale served with ATF for three years. He is survived by his wife and son.