Howard H. Hegerich

New York City Police Department — New York, NY

Felonious

End of Watch July 30, 1945

Age 24

Badge 19731

The Vigil Panel 81 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 1,236

Incident

Patrolman Howard Hegerich was shot and killed after confronting two men who were about to rob a store in the 200 block of 88th Avenue. Patrolman Hegerich had completed a four to midnight tour and on his way home when he observed four men peering into a restaurant window in the Creedmore section of Queens. As Patrolman Hegerich approached the men, all four men, each with two .38 caliber revolvers, turned and opened fire, striking Patrolman Hegerich five times. Patrolman Hegerich was able to return fire. All four suspects, 26, 23, 22, and 22 were arrested two weeks later and charged with murder. It was discovered Patrolman Hegerich's return fire did slightly injure one. They were linked to 26 local store hold-ups, several burglaries, and another shooting , all committed during the past three weeks. The other shooting was the owner of a liquor store they shot twice in his groin when he resisted as they robbed his store. Their crime spree started on July 15 when they broke into and stole 18 .38 caliber revolvers from the Queens Headquarters of the City Patrol Corps at the William Bryant High School. Police received a tip that led them to all four suspects, two who were ex-convicts. All four were arrested, later convicted of second degree murder and each sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Patrolman Hegerich was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his actions. Patrolman Hegerich was assigned to the 28th Precinct.

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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.
Patrolman Hegerich 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 Hegerich.

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

Agency

Department New York City Police Department

Location New York, NY

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

Service Record

End of Watch July 30, 1945

Age 24

Badge Number 19731

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber

Offender Sentenced to 25 years

Patrolman Howard H. Hegerich 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.

New York City Police Department

382

of 1,237 officers

30.9% Felonious

NY — Statewide

754

of 2,147 officers

35.1% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious