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Arthur J. Kenney
Agency patch
Patrolman

Arthur J. Kenney

New York City Police Department — New York, NY
Felonious
United States flag New York flag
End of Watch April 6, 1926
Age 27
Tour of Duty 3 yrs
Badge 12717
The Vigil Panel 117 · Column 1 · Line 11 ›
Gender Male
Incident Media Service The Sacrifice Department 1,221

Incident

Patrolman Kenney succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two weeks earlier when he was shot by a burglary suspect. While on patrol, Patrolman Kenney and his partner were alerted that there was suspicious activity in a house on their post. Patrolman Kenney, two other patrolmen, and a detective went to the house. Patrolman Kenney and his partner went to the back door of the location, where they were met by the burglar. The suspect pretended to be a resident of the house. Patrolman Kenney's partner lowered his gun for an instant, allowing the suspect to draw a gun and open fire, striking Patrolman Kenney's partner in the neck. The suspect then fled on foot, with Patrolman Kenney in pursuit. After several blocks, the suspect ran into an alley. Patrolman Kenney followed, where he was met by a man who told him, "I'm a policeman; he ran the other way." When Patrolman Kenney turned to look, he was shot in the chest by the suspect. Patrolman Kenney died two weeks later from his wounds. His partner made a full recovery. The suspect, who was known in the media as the "Radio Burglar" because he had committed over 30 burglaries in the area and stolen a radio from almost every home, was apprehended several days later after a massive manhunt and investigation. The suspect was apprehended entering a New York Giants game at the Polo Grounds. As the arresting officers moved to make the arrest, the suspect attempted to draw a handgun but was taken into custody after a violent struggle. He was later convicted of Officer Kenney's murder and executed on February 17, 1927. Patrolman Kenney had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was assigned to the 60th Precinct, the present-day 110th Precinct.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife and daughter.

In Our Keeping

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August 2, 2026
Last updated
August 2, 2026

Honored here by 1 tribute.

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Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Kenney gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kenney.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department New York City Police Department
Type Police Department
Location New York, NY
Platform Identity nypd.newyork.ny.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch April 6, 1926
Tour of Duty 3 yrs
Age 27
Badge Number 12717
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious
Weapon Gun

The Sacrifice · Felonious

Arthur is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.

34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.

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Compare against
I

Time

In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.

Every year on record · United States
II

Who

Arthur was 27. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.

Age at death
Where he stood among them
Age by years of service
III

When

April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.

By month
By day of the week
IV

How

Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.

Every cause
Weapons recorded
V

His people

New York City Police Department has at least 120 officers remembered here, Arthur among them.

Across the years
VI

Where

Patrolman Arthur J. Kenney

New York City Police Department · End of Watch April 6, 1926

Where the Name Is Cut

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