Roll of Honor
John H. Woodruff
Incident
Game Protector John Woodruff was killed when an unknown suspect struck him on the head with a heavy object. Protector Woodruff left his home on November 27th, 1919, to patrol Schenectady County in search of a foreign visitor suspected of game law violations. Search parties were sent out when he did not return from duty that night. They were unable to locate Protector Woodruff, and his fate was unknown until April 4th, 1921, when his remains were discovered in a hole near a creek bed with his revolver and badge missing. The coroner ruled his death a homicide. The case was never solved. Game Protector Woodruff had served with the New York State Environmental Conservation Police for two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-E5E37CA1- 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.
Game Protector Woodruff served with the New York State Environmental Conservation Police.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Game Protector Woodruff.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Game Protector John H. Woodruff 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 State Environmental Conservation Police, 4 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 22.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John H. Woodruff's cause is highlighted.
How John H. Woodruff Compares
Offender Outcome
Never solved
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John H. Woodruff is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John H. Woodruff was killed by blunt object.
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from New York State Environmental Conservation Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
