James J. McGillion

New York City Police Department — New York, NY

Felonious

End of Watch August 12, 1952

Age 35

Tour of Duty 2 yrs

Badge 2704

The Vigil Panel 88 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 1,236

Incident

Patrolman James McGillion was shot when he attempted to break up an argument between two men at 125th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Harlem, while he was walking home. At approximately 4:00 am, Patrolman McGillion was walking home from work when he encountered two arguing men. Patrolman McGillion tried to stop the argument, at which point one of the men drew a pistol. Patrolman McGillion drew his service weapon but was shot before he could fire. He chased the suspect for about 50 feet before collapsing. The suspect then returned, stole Patrolman McGillion's service weapon, and fled. Officer McGillion was taken to Knickerbocker Hospital, where he was able to describe the suspects before he was taken in for a 4-hour operation to remove the bullet from near his heart. He did not survive. The suspect was arrested the following day after he shot his girlfriend. Patrolman McGillion had served with the New York City Police Department for two years and was assigned to the 34th Precinct but was temporarily detailed to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office when he was killed. He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department Medal of Honor for his actions.

Survivors

Patrolman McGillion was survived by his wife and three children.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-NY-60D5A3FC
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.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman McGillion gave the New York City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McGillion.

— 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 12, 1952

Tour of Duty 2 yrs

Age 35

Badge Number 2704

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber

Offender Charged with murder

Patrolman James J. McGillion 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