Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Kenney succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two weeks earlier when he was shot by a burglary suspect. While on patrol, Patrolman Kenney and his partner were alerted that there was suspicious activity in a house on their post. Patrolman Kenney, two other patrolmen, and a detective went to the house. Patrolman Kenney and his partner went to the back door of the location, where they were met by the burglar. The suspect pretended to be a resident of the house. Patrolman Kenney's partner lowered his gun for an instant, allowing the suspect to draw a gun and open fire, striking Patrolman Kenney's partner in the neck. The suspect then fled on foot, with Patrolman Kenney in pursuit. After several blocks, the suspect ran into an alley. Patrolman Kenney followed, where he was met by a man who told him, "I'm a policeman; he ran the other way." When Patrolman Kenney turned to look, he was shot in the chest by the suspect. Patrolman Kenney died two weeks later from his wounds. His partner made a full recovery. The suspect, who was known in the media as the "Radio Burglar" because he had committed over 30 burglaries in the area and stolen a radio from almost every home, was apprehended several days later after a massive manhunt and investigation. The suspect was apprehended entering a New York Giants game at the Polo Grounds. As the arresting officers moved to make the arrest, the suspect attempted to draw a handgun but was taken into custody after a violent struggle. He was later convicted of Officer Kenney's murder and executed on February 17, 1927. Patrolman Kenney had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was assigned to the 60th Precinct, the present-day 110th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
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.
Patrolman Kenney gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kenney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Arthur J. Kenney is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Arthur J. Kenney's cause is highlighted.
How Arthur J. Kenney Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Arthur J. Kenney is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Arthur J. Kenney was killed by gun.
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.
