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Incident
Patrol Officer James Gatzounas died after being assaulted as he and other officers responded to a fight at a New Year's Eve street party.
As Officer Gatzounas attempted to place one of the suspects under arrest, he was repeatedly kicked and punched, and he went into cardiac arrest. Another officer suffered head injuries.
Two suspects, ages 19 and 17, were charged with first-degree murder. When Officer Gatzounas' autopsy revealed he died of cardiac arrest instead of injuries from the beating, the charges were reduced to manslaughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. James is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrol Officer Gatzounas gave the Holyoke Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Holyoke community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Gatzounas served in the U.S. Army (1968â1970) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Holyoke Police Department has lost 6 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 2 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 29. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
James was 29. 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. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.5% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 12.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 6 deaths at Holyoke Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Holyoke Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, James among them.
Military Service
James Gatzounas served in the U.S. Army (1968–1970) before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Gatzounas’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Holyoke Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
