Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Schowers was killed when he fell 15 feet during a struggle with two suspects. Patrolman Schowers was assigned to plain cloths duty when he observed two suspicious men following a woman into a building at 2032 5th Avenue, Manhattan. Patrolman Schowers entered the building and climbed the stairs, where he confronted the two men. A struggle ensued and Patrolman Schowers was pushed over the railing of the stairs. He fell 15 feet to the ground and was killed instantly. Two suspects, merchant seaman ages 32 and 34, were arrested and charged with murder. They said they thought Patrolman Schowers was going to rob them and because he was in plain cloths they did not know he was a police officer. A grand jury refused to indict and they were released. Patrolman Schowers was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his actions. Patrolman Schowers was a full blooded Sioux Indian, known as Chief Many Rains. He was the first full blooded American Indian to serve with the New York City Police Department and is the only American Indian police officer to die in the line of duty in New York City. He was a direct descendant of the famous Chief Sitting Bull. Patrolman Schowers served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years and was survived by his wife. He was assigned to the 28th Precinct.
Survivors
Patrolman Schowers served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years and was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-E3A0E42F- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Schowers gave the New York City Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Schowers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James A. Schowers 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 A. Schowers's cause is highlighted.
How James A. Schowers Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James A. Schowers is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James A. Schowers was killed by person.
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.
