Joseph F. Dursee

New York City Police Department — New York, NY

Felonious

End of Watch August 25, 1928

Age 35

The Vigil Panel 55 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 1,236

Incident

Officer Dursee was shot and killed in a running gunfight while pursuing three men who had just robbed the "Tom, Dick, and Harry Shoe Store" on Third Avenue of $20.00. As he was shot he managed to fire one more shot and seriously wound one of the suspects. During the shooting a woman bystander was seriously wounded when she was shot in the face. The wounded suspect was apprehended at the scene. The other two, including Officer Dursee's 27-year-old killer were apprehended a short time later. The gunman was found guilty of second degree murder on October 30, 1928, and sentenced to 20 years to life. Officer Dursee was assigned to the 8th Precinct.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife and 13-year-old daughter.

In Our Keeping

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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 Dursee 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 Dursee.

— 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 August 25, 1928

Age 35

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun

Offender Convicted of 2nd degree murder

Patrolman Joseph F. Dursee 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