Roll of Honor
James H. Donovan
Incident
Kitchen Keeper James Donovan was killed when he was struck on the head by an inmate using an eight-pound iron handle from a machine at Auburn State Prison. The inmate, 27, who was serving 5 to 15 years for robbery, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to additional 30 years to life. He said he killed Keeper Donovan because he caused him to loose his job in the prison kitchen. He was denied a request for a new trial in 1963.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-10691082- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Kitchen Keeper Donovan gave the New York State Department of Correctional Services 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Kitchen Keeper Donovan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Kitchen Keeper James H. Donovan 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 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.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James H. Donovan's cause is highlighted.
How James H. Donovan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James H. Donovan is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James H. Donovan was killed by blunt object.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
35 officers from New York State Department of Correctional Services are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
