Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective James Stevens and Sergeant Frederick Rabe were shot and fatally wounded while responding to a bank robbery committed by the Scarnici Gang from New York City. The two officers were shot as the gang attempted to come out of the bank at 810 Broadway. Detective Stevens died at the scene and Sergeant Rabe succumbed to his wounds six years later on September 1st, 1939. Two of the subjects were shot and killed during the incident. Three members of the gang were eventually caught in Poughkeepsie, New York. One was executed on June 27th, 1935. The other two were acquitted.
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BO-US-NY-783F79D9- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Detective Stevens served with the Rensselaer Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rensselaer community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Stevens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James A. Stevens is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Rensselaer Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James A. Stevens's cause is highlighted.
How James A. Stevens Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1935
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James A. Stevens is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James A. Stevens was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Rensselaer Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
