Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Foley was shot and killed during an investigation while assigned to the 9th Detective Squad. Detective Foley and another Detective were conducting surveillance at a restaurant which had been robbed several times. While seated at a table, four armed men entered and announced a holdup. A shootout took place, and Detective Foley was fatally wounded. One of the suspects was shot and injured, and two others were apprehended at the scene. The suspect that was shot escaped but was arrested when he went to the hospital to seek medical attention for his gunshot wound. Six suspects were convicted of Detective Foley's murder and sentenced to death. Two of them had their sentences commuted. Three of the suspects were executed on January 26, 1939, and the fourth was executed on September 12, 1940.
Survivors
Detective Foley served with the New York City Police Department 13 years and was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-0A22EE26- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Foley gave the New York City Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Foley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Michael J. Foley 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. Michael J. Foley's cause is highlighted.
How Michael J. Foley Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael J. Foley is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael J. Foley was killed by gun.
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.
