Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Patrick Gaffney succumbed to a gunshot wound when he was shot at Elm Street and Coit Road area after responding to a report of two men trying to steal a car. As Detective Gaffney and his partner arrived, the suspects immediately opened fire. During the ensuing foot pursuit and shootout, Detective Gaffney was transported to the East Cleveland Hospital where he died from being struck in the lung. The suspect who shot Detective Gaffney was eventually apprehended and sentenced to life in prison on December 12, 1920. He died in prison on July 27, 1937. Detective Gaffney had served with the East Cleveland Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-E6AC52BA- 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.
Detective Gaffney gave the East Cleveland Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Gaffney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Patrick Gaffney 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At East Cleveland Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Patrick Gaffney's cause is highlighted.
How Patrick Gaffney Compares
Offender Outcome
Life in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Patrick Gaffney is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Patrick Gaffney was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from East Cleveland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
