Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective John Singer was shot and killed by a prisoner inside police headquarters. The subject, who was being held for theft of an automobile, snatched Detective Singer's service revolver from him and shot him. The suspect was apprehended less than 12 hours later after a violent struggle with several policemen, during which one policeman fractured his skull. He was charged with murder but was adjudged insane and sent to Mattewan Insane Asylum. Detective Singer had served with the New York City Police Department for 18 years, assigned to the automobile squad.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two small children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-FFC3A329- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Singer gave the New York City Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Singer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective John M. Singer 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 M. Singer's cause is highlighted.
How John M. Singer Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John M. Singer is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John M. Singer was killed by officer's handgun.
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.
