Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Kavanagh was shot and killed attempting to arrest a robbery suspect. At approximately 2000 hours the suspect grabbed the handbag of a woman in front of 194 Duffield Street, Brooklyn. He fled with a citizen in pursuit. The citizen tackled the suspect on Gold Street, near Willoughby Street. During the struggle, the suspect drew a revolver and fired. The shot missed, but it drew the attention of Patrolman Kavanagh who was nearby. Patrolman Kavanagh ran to the location and grabbed the suspect, but the suspect fired again, striking Patrolman Kavanagh. The suspect fled. A citizen took Patrolman Kavanagh's revolver and pursued the suspect. He fired five shots and eventually cornered the suspect, where he and several other citizens took him into custody. Patrolman Kavanagh was taken to Brooklyn Hospital where he died from his wounds. The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Kavanagh's murder and executed at Sing Sing Prison on January 3, 1910. Patrolman Kavanagh served with the New York City Police Department for two years and was assigned to the 47th Precinct, which is the present day 76th Precinct.
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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 Kavanagh gave the New York City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kavanagh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Edward J. Kavanagh 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. Edward J. Kavanagh's cause is highlighted.
How Edward J. Kavanagh Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward J. Kavanagh is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward J. Kavanagh was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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