Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Edward Wendland was shot and killed while transporting two prisoners to jail. The suspects had just been arrested for robbing a cemetery caretaker's office. Both were arrested and charged with murder. The 23-year-old shooter was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. On October 8th, 1951, he received a conditional pardon and was released. His 20-year-old accomplice was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was paroled in 1946. On January 28th, 1947, he was stopped by a New Haven police officer while driving a stolen car. It was soon discovered he had committed two burglaries. On April 14th, 1947, he escaped from the New Haven Jail. Three weeks later he was captured in Reno, Nevada. He was returned to New Haven, convicted of his crimes and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
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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 Wendland served with the New Haven Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New Haven community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wendland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Edward H. Wendland 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 CT, 74 of 169 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.8% of this state's fallen. That is 43.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New Haven Police Department, 10 of 23 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edward H. Wendland's cause is highlighted.
How Edward H. Wendland Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward H. Wendland is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward H. Wendland was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
22 officers from New Haven Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
