Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Harold Shaw was shot and killed by burglary suspects after the building they were burglarizing was surrounded. He discovered a burglary in progress at the Rae Oil Company at 10 Ambrose Street and radioed for backup. Once backup officers arrived a perimeter was established with an officer at all windows and doors. Gunfire erupted at the window where Patrolman Shaw was standing and he was struck once in the arm and once in the chest. He returned fire before he succumbed to his wounds at the scene. The two perpetrators fled through that window and were later captured. Both suspects were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in Attica State Prison on June 29th, 1960. One subject was released from prison on December 24th, 1979. The other was released on November 15th, 1984.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-1FAC9C09- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Shaw gave the Rochester Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rochester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Shaw.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Harold V. Shaw 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 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. Harold V. Shaw's cause is highlighted.
How Harold V. Shaw Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harold V. Shaw is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harold V. Shaw was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
16 officers from Rochester Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
