Roll of Honor
Incident
Corporal Diffendale was shot and killed after stopping a cattle truck with front and back license plates that did not match. As Corporal Diffendale approached the truck the suspect exited his vehicle and shot Corporal Diffendale in the chest. The suspect abandoned the truck, which was stolen along with the license plates and the cow in the truck, and escaped. He was later captured in Nassau County, New York. The suspect was wanted for stealing cattle in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. A photograph of the suspect and the stolen truck was televised. This was the first time New York State Police used television in a man hunt. The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 60 years to life in Attica State Prison on September 13, 1951. He escaped from prison on October 27, 1974, and was recaptured soon afterwards. He was paroled on Febuary 1, 1988. He was sent back to prison eight months later for having a weapon which was a violation of his parole. He died on October 20, 2001.
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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.
Corporal Diffendale served with the New York State Police.
Thank you for your service to the people of New York. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Diffendale.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Corporal Arthur M. Diffendale 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 State Police, 29 of 171 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 17% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Arthur M. Diffendale's cause is highlighted.
How Arthur M. Diffendale Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 60 years to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Arthur M. Diffendale is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Arthur M. Diffendale was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
170 officers from New York State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
