George A. Durnford

New York State Department of Correctional Services — Albany, NY

Felonious

End of Watch December 11, 1929

Age 44

The Vigil Panel 58 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 35

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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Honored here by 1 sentinel - 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

Department New York State Department of Correctional Services

Location Albany, NY

Platform Identity nysdcscorr.albany.ny.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch December 11, 1929

Age 44

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Officer's handgun

Offender Acquitted

Principal Keeper George A. Durnford is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.

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.

New York State Department of Correctional Services

of 36 officers

72.2% Felonious

NY — Statewide

754

of 2,147 officers

35.1% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious