Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Irving Smith was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a robbery in progress while off-duty. Officer Smith was in a bar at 477 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, when two men who were in the bar attempted to rob it. One man drew a .32 caliber handgun and the other a 12-inch knife and ordered all the customers to lie on the floor. Officer Smith drew his firearm and identified himself as a police officer and ordered the men to drop their weapons. The suspect armed with the gun opened fire, and in an exchange of gunfire Officer Smith and the suspect were both killed. The suspect with the knife was also struck by Officer Smith's gunfire but was able to flee. He was arrested later that night when he arrived at the hospital seeking medical attention. The surviving suspect, who as on parole for robbery, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. He was paroled in 2001 after serving 21 years. Officer Smith was assigned to the Transit Authority Police Academy, where he was a firearms instructor.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-55EE8816- 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 Irving. 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.
Police Officer Smith gave the New York City Transit Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Irving W. Smith 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 Transit Police Department, 11 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Irving W. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Irving W. Smith Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Irving W. Smith is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Irving W. Smith was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
