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Incident
Patrolman Walter DeGolyer suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after struggling with a prisoner while placing the man in his cell. He was transported to a local hospital after collapsing, where he died two days later. Patrolman DeGolyer had served with the Peekskill Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-KGP7-11CB-Searlier record number BO-US-NY-74BD0BA5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 DeGolyer gave the Peekskill Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Peekskill community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman DeGolyer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Peekskill Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Walter is one of 99 officers lost to cardiac events in NY, 4.7% of the 2,126 remembered there.
Walter is one of 1,304 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Walter is one of 1,306 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1939, 2 officers in NY were lost to cardiac events, the 9th heaviest of 56 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 6.
In 1939, 5 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 89th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1939, 5 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 89th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Walter was 47. Of the 89 lost to cardiac events in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 53; the middle age was 45. Walter had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Walter was 47. Of the 1,246 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Walter had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Walter was 47. Of the 1,248 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Walter had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
November holds 7.1% of these deaths in NY; January holds the most, 13.1%. Saturdays: 14.1%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.7% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.4%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Peekskill Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 2,126 deaths in NY, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 9.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
His people
Peekskill Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Peekskill Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
