Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman George Claus was shot and killed after breaking up a disturbance. Three men had tried to enter a wedding reception that was had already started. When they were turned away they began to vandalize a fence in front of a nearby residence. Patrolman Claus, who was across the street, was immediately summoned. Patrolman Claus instructed the three to “move along.” As the three walked in one direction Patrolman Claus turned to go the opposite way. However, the three turned and ran after Patrolman Claus. Two of the suspects grabbed him around his waist while the third suspect wrestled his service revolver from him. The third suspect put the revolver to Patrolman Claus' face and fired, killing him instantly. The suspect was apprehended and charged with Patrolman Claus' murder. He was convicted of the murder and executed at Auburn Prison on June 4th, 1913. Patrolman Claus had served with the Buffalo Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-411C8936- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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 Claus gave the Buffalo Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Buffalo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Claus.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman George E. Claus 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 Buffalo Police Department, 22 of 51 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George E. Claus's cause is highlighted.
How George E. Claus Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George E. Claus is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George E. Claus was killed by officer's handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
50 officers from Buffalo Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
