Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John McCormack was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest an armed suspect who had just fired shots inside a saloon. Patrolman McCormack was walking his beat on 7th Avenue near 138th Street in Manhattan when he was approached by a woman who asked the Patrolman to help remove her intoxicated husband from a Saloon. Patrolman McCormack entered the saloon and found that the man had already left, so he resumed his patrol duties. About ten minutes later Patrolman McCormack heard the sound of gunshots from inside the saloon. The female who had approached him earlier was running from the saloon with her husband in close pursuit, brandishing an automatic pistol. Patrolman McCormack gave chase and soon caught up with the suspect. When Patrolman McCormack ordered the suspect to stop, the suspect turned and fired four shots, two of which struck Patrolman McCormack. The suspect then fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later by two other Patrolman. Patrolman McCormack was removed to the hospital and died of his injuries a short time later. Patrolman McCormack had been with the New York City Police Department for only 20 days and was survived by his wife and three children. He was assigned to the to the 38th Precinct, the present-day 32nd Precinct.
Survivors
Patrolman McCormack had been with the New York City Police Department for only 20 days and was survived by his wife and three children.
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Probationary Patrolman McCormack served with the New York City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Probationary Patrolman McCormack.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Probationary Patrolman John J. McCormack 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. John J. McCormack's cause is highlighted.
How John J. McCormack Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. McCormack is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. McCormack was killed by gun.
Incident Location
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