Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Flanagan was shot and killed as he attempted to question two suspicious men. Patrolman Flanagan was off duty and in civilian clothes when he observed two suspicious men at the corner of Park Avenue and 128th Street in Manhattan at approximately 2:00 am. Patrolman Flanagan approached them and attempted to question them, but one suspect drew a pistol and opened fire, striking him. Patrolman Flanagan was able to draw his revolver and fire six shots, hitting one suspect twice and one suspect once. Two patrolmen who were attracted by the sounds of the gunfire arrived on scene. The suspects, 25 and 37, both shot in the abdomen dragged themselves to a nearby hiding spot where they were apprehended an hour later and transported to a hospital. Patrolman Flanagan was removed to the hospital and died later that day from his injuries. The suspect, 37, died a week later. The other suspect had recently escaped from the New Jersey Penitentiary. He was sentenced to seven years the previous December for grand larceny and assault. He was convicted of Patrolman Flanagan's murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled in 1951. On May 13, 1952, he was charged with attempted armed robbery when he tried to rob a gas station in the Bronx with a toy gun. The attendant realized it was a toy and slapped it out of his hand. He fled but was quickly apprehended. He was convicted of attempted armed robbery and sentenced to prison as a habitual offender to 25 years to life. Patrolman Flanagan was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor. Patrolman Flanagan had served with the New York City Police Department for 15 months and was assigned to the 25th Precinct.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Flanagan gave the New York City Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Flanagan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James J. Flanagan 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 J. Flanagan's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Flanagan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Flanagan is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Flanagan was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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