Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Francis Walsh was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a man who was robbing a food market. Patrolman Walsh and his partner were walking their beat on Eighth Avenue, between 135th and 136th Streets, in Manhattan, when they observed a man threatening a clerk inside a food market. Patrolman Walsh told his partner to wait outside and entered the market. As he entered, the suspect turned and fired five shots, striking Patrolman Walsh three times. Patrolman Walsh staggered out of the market and fell to the ground. The suspect ran out of the store and fired at Patrolman Walsh's partner. His partner returned fire and pursued the suspect into a subway station, where he was able to apprehend him. Patrolman Walsh was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he died from his wounds. The suspect pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years in prison, where he died in 1981. Patrolman Walsh had served with the New York City Police Department for four years and was assigned to the 32nd Precinct.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-74E8DF95- 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 Francis. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Walsh gave the New York City Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Walsh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Francis Walsh 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. Francis Walsh's cause is highlighted.
How Francis Walsh Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Francis Walsh is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Francis Walsh 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.
