Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Bussey was shot and killed after stopped five suspicious men he suspected might be about to commit a robbery. Patrolman Bussey and his partner were on patrol traveling north on 9th Avenue, near the corner of 55th Street when they spotted five suspicious men as they were about to enter a bar and grill. The patrolmen pulled up alongside the men, and Patrolman Bussey began to exit the patrol car. As he did, one of the males turned around and opened fire, striking Patrolman Bussey in the head, killing him. Patrolman Bussey's partner returned fire pursued the suspects on foot, exchanging shots with them as he ran. As the suspects fled, a Detective jumped from his car, opened fire at one suspect and then tackled him to the ground. A retired New York State Police trooper who witnessed the incident ran up to the second suspect and knocked him out with a punch. One other suspect was also apprehended. Two suspects were charged with murder for the killing of Patrolman Bussey and the murder of another man several days earlier during the commission of a robbery. The third man was charged with supplying the men with the handguns. The subject who shot and killed Patrolman Bussey was convicted of first-degree murder for killing Patrolman Bussey and second-degree murder for the killing of the man during the robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison for the killing during the robbery and sentenced to death for the murder of Patrolman Bussey. He was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing State Prison on July 10, 1947. The other suspects were also convicted and sentenced to time in prison. Patrolman Bussey was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his actions. Patrolman Bussey had served with the New York City Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the 18th Precinct. His wife and three children survived him.
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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 Bussey gave the New York City Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bussey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James E. Bussey 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. James E. Bussey's cause is highlighted.
How James E. Bussey Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James E. Bussey is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James E. Bussey was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
