Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Varecha was shot and killed after stopping a car for running a red light. Patrolman Varecha was standing on his footpost in front of the Canadian Consulate in Manhattan when he observed a vehicle pass through a red light. Patrolman Varecha commandeered a vehicle and gave chase. He was able to stop the vehicle in front of 154 East 54th Street. As Patrolman Varecha approached the stopped vehicle, two men exited. A struggle ensued, followed by several shots. Patrolman Varecha was shot four times and killed. He was able to return fire but missed the suspects. Two off-duty Patrolmen who heard the gunshots responded and arrested both suspects. Both suspects, who were out on bail for two separate shooting incidents at the time they murdered Patrolman Varecha, were convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. One suspect was paroled in 1999. The second suspect escaped from prison in 1978. He was captured in California in 1981 and returned to New York. He was released on parole in January 2011. Patrolman Varecha had served with the New York City Police Department for 10 months and was assigned to the 18th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and father.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-4A32EA3A- 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 Varecha 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 Varecha.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John E. Varecha 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. Varecha's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Varecha Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Varecha is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Varecha was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
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.
