Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Deans suffered a fatal heart attack after being kicked in the groin. Patrolman Deans was arresting the man for obstructing traffic when the assault took place. He was able to handcuff the man before collapsing. Patrolman Deans was taken to Flushing Hospital, where he died a short time later. Charges against the suspect were dropped, but the wife was allowed to sue for injuries. The results of the court case are unknown. Patrolman Deans served with the New York City Police Department for 17 years and was assigned to the Flushing Police Station (modern-day 109th Precinct).
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-23B5912A- 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 Deans gave the New York City Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Deans.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Deans 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 Deans's cause is highlighted.
How William Deans Compares
Offender Outcome
Charges dropped
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Deans is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Deans was killed by person.
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.
