Roll of Honor
George A. Durnford
Incident
Principal Keeper George Durnford was shot and killed by rioting inmates who had taken the prison's warden hostage during an escape plot at the Auburn State Prison. Eight inmates were killed by New York State Police later in the day during an attempt to quell the disturbance and escape attempt. Several inmates were charged in connection with the riot. Principal Keeper Durnford's killer was identified and charged with his murder. The inmate was acquitted after his attorney convinced the jury that one of the inmates who was killed shot Principal Keeper Durnford. Assistant Principal Keeper John Martin suffered a fatal stroke three days later and died on December 15th, 1929.
Survivors
Principal Keeper Durnford was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Principal Keeper Durnford served with the New York State Department of Correctional Services.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Principal Keeper Durnford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Principal Keeper George A. Durnford 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 State Department of Correctional Services, 26 of 36 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George A. Durnford's cause is highlighted.
How George A. Durnford Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George A. Durnford is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George A. Durnford was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
35 officers from New York State Department of Correctional Services are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
