Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Howard Hegerich was shot and killed after confronting two men who were about to rob a store in the 200 block of 88th Avenue. Patrolman Hegerich had completed a four to midnight tour and on his way home when he observed four men peering into a restaurant window in the Creedmore section of Queens. As Patrolman Hegerich approached the men, all four men, each with two .38 caliber revolvers, turned and opened fire, striking Patrolman Hegerich five times. Patrolman Hegerich was able to return fire. All four suspects, 26, 23, 22, and 22 were arrested two weeks later and charged with murder. It was discovered Patrolman Hegerich's return fire did slightly injure one. They were linked to 26 local store hold-ups, several burglaries, and another shooting , all committed during the past three weeks. The other shooting was the owner of a liquor store they shot twice in his groin when he resisted as they robbed his store. Their crime spree started on July 15 when they broke into and stole 18 .38 caliber revolvers from the Queens Headquarters of the City Patrol Corps at the William Bryant High School. Police received a tip that led them to all four suspects, two who were ex-convicts. All four were arrested, later convicted of second degree murder and each sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Patrolman Hegerich was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his actions. Patrolman Hegerich was assigned to the 28th Precinct.
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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.
Patrolman Hegerich served with the New York City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hegerich.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Howard H. Hegerich 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. Howard H. Hegerich's cause is highlighted.
How Howard H. Hegerich Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Howard H. Hegerich is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Howard H. Hegerich was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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