Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Rooney was shot and killed by another officer who was intoxicated while on duty. Patrolman Rooney was in the patrol car with the officer at Amsterdam Avenue and West 140th Street and arguing with the officer over his intoxicated state. The other officer shot Patrolman Rooney in both legs. He was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he died of his wounds a short time later. The suspect was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to 4 to 8 years in prison. Patrolman Rooney served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the 30th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-E841D490- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Rooney gave the New York City Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rooney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William J. Rooney 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 New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William J. Rooney's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Rooney Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 8 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Rooney is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Rooney was killed by handgun.
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.
