Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant John Moriarty was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a suspect who was using counterfeit half-dollar coins. Sergeant Moriarty was sent to investigate a report of counterfeit coins being used. When he located the suspect, he searched him, overlooking a .32- caliber revolver that was strapped to his leg. Without warning, the suspect drew his weapon and shot Sergeant Moriarty. Despite being mortally wounded, Sergeant Moriarty was able to hold the suspect until a civilian came over and struck him on the head with a wrench. The suspect was able to flee, pursued by responding officers and a gang of civilians. They were able to corner the suspect in a boathouse, where after a long gun battle, the suspect was shot and killed. Sergeant Moriarty had served with the San Francisco Police Department for 26 years.
Survivors
He was survived by four children and one stepson.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-45DB1464- 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
26 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Moriarty gave the San Francisco Police Department 26 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the San Francisco community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Moriarty.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant John Joseph Moriarty is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 0.9 percentage points below the national rate of 53.9%.
At San Francisco Police Department, 66 of 106 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Joseph Moriarty's cause is highlighted.
How John Joseph Moriarty Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Joseph Moriarty is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Joseph Moriarty was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
105 officers from San Francisco Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
