Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Big Jack Kennedy succumbed to gunshot wounds received four years earlier when he was shot by two suspects while on patrol. He was investigating an empty automobile in a wooded section of Inwood between Woodmere and Valley Stream when he was ambushed. He underwent 13 operations before succumbing to his injuries. One of the suspects was executed on September 6, 1934, for the murder, and a second was sentenced to life in prison. Patrolman Kennedy had served with the Nassau County Police Department for two years and was stationed at the 5th Precinct Station, Woodmere. He was survived by his wife, son, and father. His Grandson currently serves in law enforcement.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and father.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-66750543- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Kennedy gave the Nassau County Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mineola community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Davis "Big Jack" Kennedy 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 97,756 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 Nassau County Police Department, 12 of 51 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 23.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Davis "Big Jack" Kennedy's cause is highlighted.
How John Davis "Big Jack" Kennedy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Davis "Big Jack" Kennedy is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Davis "Big Jack" Kennedy was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
50 officers from Nassau County Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
