Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Harvey was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest two suspected burglars. Detective Harvey was in the act of making the arrest when one of the suspects turned around and drew a revolver. He then shot Detective Harvey in the head, killing him instantly. The two suspects were chased by several citizens who apprehended one suspect and turned him over to the police. The suspect was convicted of Detective Harvey's murder and executed on May 14, 1894. Detective Harvey had served with the Syracuse Police Department for 24 years. He had previously served as chief of the agency.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-B49BAF13- 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 James. 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
133 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Detective Harvey gave the Syracuse Police Department 24 years.
Thank you for your service to the Syracuse community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James A. Harvey 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 Syracuse Police Department, 9 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James A. Harvey's cause is highlighted.
How James A. Harvey Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James A. Harvey is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James A. Harvey was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Syracuse Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
