Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Polarolo succumbed to injuries sustained two weeks earlier when he was struck by intoxicated driver on the Queens side of the Triboro Bridge, at approximately 4:00 am. He and his partner responded to the area to investigate a minor car accident. As he was talking to the vehicles occupants he was struck by a vehicle. His partner chased the driver to the area of Grand Central Parkway and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway where he arrested the driver. Patrolman Polarolo was rushed to Elmhurst City Hospital suffering from multiple head injuries, and fractured leg. The 29-year-driver of the vehicle was charged with Assault with an automobile, driving and drinking, and leaving the scene of an accident. Patrolman Polarolo served with the New York City Police Department for six years.
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BO-US-NY-15420A42- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Polarolo gave the New York City Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Polarolo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John F. Polarolo 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 F. Polarolo's cause is highlighted.
How John F. Polarolo Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John F. Polarolo is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John F. Polarolo was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
