Roll of Honor
Incident
Probationary Patrolman Patrick Canavan was stabbed to death when he attempted to break up a street fight in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn while off duty. Patrolman Canavan observed a large fight in the street on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 88th Street and attempted to break it up. He was stabbed in the stomach with a 12-inch hunting knife while attempting to separate two men. He died at Lutheran Medical Center while doctors were preparing for emergency surgery in an attempt to save his life. Two suspects were apprehended and pleaded guilty to his murder. On September 28, 1971, the suspect, 21, who stabbed Patrolman Canavan, was sentenced to 15 years to life, and the other suspect, 20, who supplied the knife, was sentenced to 5 years probation. The killer was paroled on October 2, 1989. Patrolman Canavan had served with the New York City Police Department for only 2 months and was assigned to the Police Academy.
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- 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.
Probationary Patrolman Canavan served with the New York City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Probationary Patrolman Canavan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Probationary Patrolman Patrick M. Canavan 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. Patrick M. Canavan's cause is highlighted.
How Patrick M. Canavan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Patrick M. Canavan is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Patrick M. Canavan 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.
