Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman George Crane was shot and killed with his service revolver while attempting to arrest a man for burglary. Patrolman Crane and his partner responded to a burglary in progress call at 334 East 105th Street, Manhattan. When they arrived, they observed a male on the roof of the location. Patrolman Crane climbed the fire escape while his partner climbed the stairs of the building. When Patrolman Crane got to the roof, he confronted the suspect. A struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to gain control of Patrolman Crane's service revolver. The suspect then shot and killed him and fled. Two suspects were apprehended the following day and charged with murder. Their first trial ended in a hung jury, but the suspect that shot Patrolman Crane was convicted of murder in a second trial and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was paroled on August 2, 1984. Patrolman Crane was a United States Army World War II veteran who served with the New York City Police Department for nearly three and a half years and was assigned to the 23rd Precinct.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-71EA38AC- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Crane gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
George Francis Crane served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman George Francis Crane 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. George Francis Crane's cause is highlighted.
How George Francis Crane Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1984
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George Francis Crane is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George Francis Crane 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.
