Roll of Honor
Jan Brinkers
Incident
Lieutenant Jan Brinkers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three suspects robbing a tavern at 2639 Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. Lieutenant Brinkers, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was inside a tavern on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx when three men entered the bar and announced a robbery. Lieutenant Brinkers drew his weapon and identified himself as a Police Officer. One of the suspects opened fire, striking him in the chest. Lieutenant Brinkers was able to fire six shots at the suspects as they fled. It was believed he hit one in the leg. Lieutenant Brinkers was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his wounds. Two suspects, 28 and 36, were apprehended 11 days later in the Bronx after police received a telephone tip from a woman. Another, 27, was apprehended two weeks later when he sought medical attention for a bullet in his leg at a hospital. He was determined to be the killer. All three were charged with murder. All three were refugees who came from Cuba during the "Mariel Boat Lift" from April 15, 1980, until October 31, 1980. The suspect, 36, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on February 28, 2018. The 28-year-old suspect, also sentenced to life, died in prison on July 9, 1985. Lieutenant Brinkers' killer was convicted of his murder and paroled on January 6, 2020. Lieutenant Brinkers was a United States Army Reserve veteran who had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to Police Service 8.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-06F86E55- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Jan. 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Lieutenant Brinkers gave the New York City Housing Authority Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Jan Brinkers served in the Army (1960â1961) before joining law enforcement.
Lieutenant Jan Brinkers 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 New York City Housing Authority Police Department, 13 of 19 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 68.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jan Brinkers's cause is highlighted.
How Jan Brinkers Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 2020
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jan Brinkers is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jan Brinkers was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from New York City Housing Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
