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Incident
Patrolman John Brennan was shot and killed on Federal Street when he responded to reports of gunshots in Franklin Park. Patrolman Brennan had only served with the Providence Police Department for six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his father, brother, and five sisters.
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 Brennan served with the Providence Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Providence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Brennan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Providence Police Department has lost 9 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 25 officers killed feloniously in RI, 45.5% of the 55 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1911, 1 officer at Providence Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 2.
In 1911, 2 officers in RI were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 18 years on record. The heaviest was 1958, with 3.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 25. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Providence Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 44; the middle age was 40. John had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 14 years.
John was 25. Of the 25 killed feloniously in RI whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 40. John had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 9.5 years.
John was 25. 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. John had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 40% of these deaths at Providence Police Department; February holds the most, 60%. Sundays: 80%.
April holds 20% of these deaths in RI; June holds the most, 24%. Sundays: 20%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 55.6% of all 9 deaths at Providence Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 80% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 45.5% of all 55 deaths in RI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 32% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Providence Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Providence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
