Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William O'Brien was shot and killed while investigating a burglary, at 290 Garson Avenue, at approximately 9:00 pm. Patrolman O'Brien responded to the scene on his police motorcycle and caught the man exiting the back door of the house. When he ordered the man to stop the subject fired a single round, striking Patrolman O'Brien in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman O'Brien was able to return fire but did not strike the man. The subject fled to the front of the house and dove through a window to escape. A special police officer who was working in the area due to a recent rash of burglaries heard the gunshots and also responded to the scene. He captured the suspect following a short foot pursuit. The suspect was convicted of Patrolman O'Brien's murder and sentenced to death. He was executed on July 29th, 1920. Patrolman O'Brien had served with the Rochester Police Department for five years and had previously served with the Rochester Fire Department.
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BO-US-NY-919C264C- Stewardship
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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 O'Brien gave the Rochester Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rochester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Brien.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William O'Brien 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 Rochester Police Department, 9 of 17 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 52.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William O'Brien's cause is highlighted.
How William O'Brien Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William O'Brien is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William O'Brien was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
16 officers from Rochester Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
