Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Egan was shot and killed as he attempted to break up a disturbance at a party. Patrolman Egan was on duty and assigned to plainclothes duty to keep watch on several locations that the police had received complaints about. During the night, Patrolman Egan attempted to eject a disorderly man from one of the locations. A third man interfered and was able to gain control of Patrolman Egan's service weapon. The man fired four shots during a struggle over the gun, and Patrolman Egan was fatally wounded. The suspect was arrested and later convicted of Second Degree Murder. He was sentenced to twenty-five years to life in prison. Patrolman Egan was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department Medal of Honor for his actions. Patrolman Egan had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was assigned to the 51st Precinct, the present-day 43rd Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and twin sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-355EB517- 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 Egan gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Egan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John E. Egan 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. John E. Egan's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Egan Compares
Offender Outcome
Convicted of second degree murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Egan is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Egan was killed by officer's 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.
