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Incident
Investigator Padula was stabbed in the neck and killed while at the scene of an emotionally disturbed person call. The female suspect was barricaded in a bathroom and suddenly ran out, attacking Investigator Padula. The suspect was shot and killed by another officer on the scene. Investigator Padula had served with the Ithaca Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two sons, parents, sister, and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Investigator Padula gave the Ithaca Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ithaca community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Padula.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ithaca Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1996, 8 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1996, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1996, 79 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 45. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Michael had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Michael was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Sundays: 13.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Ithaca Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Ithaca Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Ithaca Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
