Prev
Incident
Officer Harry Cantave was stabbed to death on a subway train in Brooklyn while attempting to stop two juveniles who had just robbed two transit workers and were then attempting to rob him at the Church Avenue Station. He grabbed one of the suspects in a headlock but the second man pulled a 12-inch butcher knife and stabbed him 17 times in the chest and back. Officer Cantave was transported to Kings County Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds two hours later. Witnesses who tried to stop the attack were also stabbed. On August 23, 1991, two teenagers, 16 and 18, pleaded guilty to Officer Cantave's murder. The 18-year-old was convicted of second degree murder, sentenced to life, and paroled on October 22, 2010. The 16-year-old, also sentenced to life, was paroled on February 9, 2004. Officer Cantave had served with the New York City Health and Hospital Police Department for three years and was assigned to the Cumberland Neighborhood Family Care Center in Brooklyn.
Survivors
He is survived by wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqcxg7e1hph25d0xv6gk- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Harry. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Cantave gave the New York City Health and Hospitals Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Cantave.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New York City Health and Hospitals Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Harry is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1990, 4 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 64th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1990, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1990, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harry was 29. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Harry had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Harry was 29. 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. Harry had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harry was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Wednesdays: 9.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at New York City Health and Hospitals Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 33.3% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
New York City Health and Hospitals Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from New York City Health and Hospitals Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
