Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Anthony Graffia was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery in progress. Patrolman Graffia was eating lunch in the rear of a pharmacy when two men entered brandishing revolvers and demanded money. The store owner alerted Patrolman Graffia to the robbery, and when he came out of the backroom, the suspects opened fire, striking him. Although mortally wounded, Patrolman Graffia was able to return fire and hit his killer in his left bicep. On March 10, 1968, New York Police arrested a 16-year-old youth who crashed into a utility pole after they chased him 20 blocks in a stolen car on Atlantic Ave. Information about Patrolman Graffia's murder led to the youth admitting he was involved. His accomplice, 21, was arrested at his home the next day. He showed police the bullet wound on his arm and admitted he shot Patrolman Graffia. On April 29, 1968, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. He was paroled on August 28, 1990. Patrolman Graffia was a United States Air Force veteran who had served with the New York City Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the 106th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-3D7A7E21- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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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.
Patrolman Graffia gave the New York City Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York 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
Anthony J. Graffia served in the Air Force (1953â1957) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Anthony J. Graffia is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Anthony J. Graffia's cause is highlighted.
How Anthony J. Graffia Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Anthony J. Graffia is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Anthony J. Graffia was killed by handgun; .25 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
