Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Dominick Caviglia died of a gunshot wound he received two days earlier while investigating a robbery. Patrolman Caviglia was on his post in Manhattan when a woman approached him and told him there was a hold-up in progress at an apartment at 228 West 63rd Street. When Patrolman Caviglia arrived at the location, he observed several men around a table in a heated argument. Patrolman Caviglia ordered all the men to put up their hands. The group quickly fled, but two of the men drew pistols and opened fire. Patrolman Caviglia was struck in the abdomen. He was able to return fire before he fell. Patrolman Caviglia was taken to the hospital, where he died from his wounds two days later. The two suspects were arrested later in the week by Patrolman Guido J. Pessagano, who earned a promotion to Detective for the arrest. Detective Pessagano was shot and killed on October 22, 1931, when he attempted to arrest a man for the murder of another patrolman. Patrolman Caviglia had served with the New York City Police Department for 21 years and was assigned to the 20th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-27958E0D- 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 Dominick. 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
21 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Caviglia gave the New York City Police Department 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Caviglia.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Dominick Caviglia 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. Dominick Caviglia's cause is highlighted.
How Dominick Caviglia Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dominick Caviglia is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dominick Caviglia 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.
