Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Devens and Patrolman Charles Matthews succumbed to injuries from a wagon accident as they responded to a fire.
Patrolman Devens, Patrolman Matthews, and two other officers were responding to a fire. Patrolman Devens was driving the wagon on Avenue L near Rockaway Avenue when a trolley car suddenly stopped in front of them, and passengers started to get off. Patrolman Devens swung the wagon around a corner to avoid striking the people. The sharp turn caused Patrolman Devens, Patrolman Matthews, and the two other officers to fall from the wagon. Patrolman Devens wrists were stuck in the reins, and he was dragged behind the horses and kicked repeatedly. Patrolman Matthews sustained serious internal injuries from the fall.
Patrolman Devens and Patrolman Matthews were taken to a local hospital. Patrolman Devens died that night from his injuries. Patrolman Matthews died a month later.
Patrolman Devens was assigned to the 66th precinct, the present-day 69th Precinct in Brooklyn.
Patrolman Devens, Patrolman Matthews, and two other officers were responding to a fire. Patrolman Devens was driving the wagon on Avenue L near Rockaway Avenue when a trolley car suddenly stopped in front of them, and passengers started to get off. Patrolman Devens swung the wagon around a corner to avoid striking the people. The sharp turn caused Patrolman Devens, Patrolman Matthews, and the two other officers to fall from the wagon. Patrolman Devens wrists were stuck in the reins, and he was dragged behind the horses and kicked repeatedly. Patrolman Matthews sustained serious internal injuries from the fall.
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Devens gave the New York City Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Devens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James W. Devens is one of 10,088 officers lost to accidents in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 31% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 645 of 2,147 officers were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 30% of this state's fallen. That is 1 percentage points below the national rate of 31%.
At New York City Police Department, 283 of 1237 officers on record were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 22.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Accident compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James W. Devens's cause is highlighted.
How James W. Devens Compares
When Accident Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Accident deaths across the full memorial record. James W. Devens is highlighted in Nov.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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