Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Gearty suffered a fatal heart attack after being involved in an altercation when he responded to a fight call at Nicollet Avenue and Second Street. While trying to break up the fight, he received blows to the head and chest. After returning to the station, he complained of a headache and was taken to the hospital, where he became unconscious. He had suffered a heart attack and died. Patrolman Gearty had been with the Minneapolis Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MN-C82BDE56- 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 John. 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 Gearty gave the Minneapolis Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Minneapolis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gearty.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John B. Gearty is one of 1,306 officers lost to cardiac events in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 4% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MN, 26 of 293 officers were lost to cardiac events in the line of duty — 8.9% of this state's fallen. That is 4.9 percentage points above the national rate of 4%.
At Minneapolis Police Department, 3 of 50 officers on record were lost to cardiac events in the line of duty — 6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Cardiac compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John B. Gearty's cause is highlighted.
How John B. Gearty Compares
When Cardiac Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Cardiac deaths across the full memorial record. John B. Gearty is highlighted in Jul.
Others Who Wore This Badge
49 officers from Minneapolis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
