Incident
Police Officer Joseph McCormack was shot and killed by an emotionally disturbed suspect who had barricaded himself in a house after he was not allowed to see his young son. When police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the suspect had a shotgun. As they attempted to talk the suspect out of the house, the suspect exited through the rear door and fired the shotgun. The shot struck Officer McCormack in an area under his armpit that was not protected by his vest. Other officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Officer McCormack had served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the Emergency Service Unit. He was survived by his wife and three children. His son joined the New York City Police Department in 1999.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-8AAFA7C8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Joseph. 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.
Police Officer McCormack gave the New York City Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer McCormack.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Joseph P. McCormack 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. Joseph P. McCormack's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph P. McCormack Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph P. McCormack is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph P. McCormack was killed by shotgun.
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.















