Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Wilson was shot and killed when he attempted to apprehend three men for robbery. Patrolman Wilson was on a traffic post when he was informed of a robbery taking place on the second floor of 35 Fulton Street, Manhattan. Patrolman Wilson drew his revolver and entered the location. When he got to the second floor, he observed that two men were tied up. Before he could take any action, one suspect hit Patrolman Wilson in the head with the butt of a gun, knocking him to the floor. Patrolman Wilson was able to get to his knees and open fire but was shot and killed by the three suspects. Two suspects were later apprehended and charged with first-degree murder. They were convicted and sentenced to death. Both suspects were executed at Sing Sing State Prison on January 5, 1939. Patrolman Wilson had served with the New York City Police Department for 11 years, assigned to the 1st Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-7DCE3082- 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 Wilson gave the New York City Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wilson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John H. A. Wilson 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 H. A. Wilson's cause is highlighted.
How John H. A. Wilson Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1939
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John H. A. Wilson is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John H. A. Wilson was killed by 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.
