William J. Kennedy

New York City Police Department — New York, NY

Felonious

End of Watch October 15, 1993

Age 72

Badge 12322

The Vigil Panel 139 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 1,236

Incident

Patrolman Kennedy died from a gunshot wound sustained 41 years earlier. On February 7th, 1952, Patrolman Kennedy and his partner were assigned to bring an emotionally disturbed person to Bellevue Hospital. While in the hospital, the man grabbed a chair and struck a third patrolman with it. During the scuffle that ensued, the man was able to gain control of one of the patrolman's service weapons. He fired all six rounds from it, wounding Patrolman Kennedy. The other officers were able to take the suspect into custody. He was charged with murder. Patrolman Kennedy lived over 41 years with extremely disabling injuries that eventually caused his death. The case was ruled a homicide and reopened by the 10th Precinct Detective Squad. After he died of his injuries the case was reclassified as a homicide. Patrolman Kennedy was 30 years old and the time of the incident and was assigned to the 10 Precinct.

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Permanent identifier: BO-US-NY-845A05CC
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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.
Patrolman Kennedy 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, Patrolman Kennedy.

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

Agency

Department New York City Police Department

Type Police Department

Location New York, NY

Platform Identity nypd.newyork.ny.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch October 15, 1993

Age 72

Badge Number 12322

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Officer's handgun

Patrolman William J. Kennedy 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.

New York City Police Department

365

of 1,237 officers

29.5% Felonious

NY — Statewide

728

of 2,147 officers

33.9% Felonious

Nationwide

of 97,772 officers

0% Felonious