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
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 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 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 Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% 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
Offender Outcome
Charged
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; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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