Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Joseph McNierney died of injuries he received when he was stabbed while taking police action while off-duty. He and another off-duty patrolman were riding on the Second Avenue "L" train when they observed two men harassing two young women on the train. Sergeant McNierney asked the women if they would like to move over to his seat so they could get away from the men. The two women moved seats. When they all exited the train at the next stop, one of the two men confronted Sergeant McNierney and told him "I'll smash your face in." When Sergeant McNierney approached the suspect, the man drew a knife and stabbed him in the stomach four times. Sergeant McNierney called out to the other off-duty officer, who confronted the suspect. The off-duty officer was slashed several times before he was able to tackle the suspect. The officer then handed his whistle to a civilian who blew it, summoning the help of other officers, who took the man into custody. Sergeant McNierney was transported to Bellevue Hospital where he died from his wounds five days later. The suspect was convicted of first degree manslaughter. Sergeant McNierney had been a member of the New York City Police Department for 18 years and was survived by his wife and three children. He was assigned to the 29th Precinct.
Survivors
Sergeant McNierney had been a member of the New York City Police Department for 18 years and was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-0B3FCB20- 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.
Sergeant McNierney 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, Sergeant McNierney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Joseph H. McNierney 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 H. McNierney's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph H. McNierney Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph H. McNierney is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph H. McNierney was killed by edged weapon.
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.
