Michael J. Kavanagh
Agency patch
Patrolman

Michael J. Kavanagh

Felonious
End of Watch May 29, 1977
Age 37
Tour of Duty 10 yrs
Badge 1300
The Vigil Panel 118 ›
Gender Male

Incident

Patrolman Michael Kavanagh was struck and killed by a vehicle fleeing officers on the Southern State Parkway. The subject was traveling east in the westbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway, attempting to elude police. Patrolman Kavanagh was diverting traffic at Newbridge Road when the suspect vehicle struck him. Patrolman Kavanagh had served with the Nassau County Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife and three children. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart for his actions.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife and three children.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-BFF95D17
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 Kavanagh gave the Nassau County Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mineola community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kavanagh.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Location Mineola, NY
Platform Identity ncpd.nassau.ny.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch May 29, 1977
Tour of Duty 10 yrs
Age 37
Badge Number 1300
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious
Weapon Automobile
Offender Apprehended

Patrolman Michael J. Kavanagh 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 Nassau County Police Department, 12 of 51 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 23.5% of this agency's fallen.

Nassau County Police Department
12
of 51 officers
23.5% Felonious
NY — Statewide
754
of 2,147 officers
35.1% Felonious
Nationwide
17,623
of 32,508 officers
54.2% Felonious

National Cause Distribution

How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael J. Kavanagh's cause is highlighted.

Felonious
17,623 (54.2%)
Accident
10,088 (31%)
Illness
2,974 (9.1%)
Cardiac
1,306 (4%)
Undetermined
260 (0.8%)
Suicide
256 (0.8%)
vehicular
1 (0%)

How Michael J. Kavanagh Compares

Age at End of Watch
37
This officer
Avg for Felonious: 39.0 years
Years of Service
10
This officer
Avg for Felonious: 8.5 years

Offender Outcome

Apprehended

When Felonious Deaths Occur

Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael J. Kavanagh is highlighted in May.

Jan
1,392
Feb
1,295
Mar
1,373
Apr
1,517
May
1,505
Jun
1,443
Jul
1,587
Aug
1,516
Sep
1,553
Oct
1,371
Nov
1,447
Dec
1,624

Weapons Used Against Officers

Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael J. Kavanagh was killed by automobile.

Gun; Unknown type
5,083
Handgun
2,077
Shotgun
922
Officer's handgun
909
Automobile; Alcohol involved
530
Rifle
518

Incident Location