Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Sherman's throat was cut as he attempted to arrest a suspect for disorderly conduct. Patrolman Sherman was summoned to 142-44 West 105th Street in Manhattan in the report of a disorderly male. When Patrolman Sherman attempted to arrest the man, the subject grabbed a razor and cut Patrolman Sherman's throat, killing him. When backup officers arrived they stopped the suspect as he was attempting to escape the scene. The man, 19, was convicted of Patrolman Sherman's murder and was sentenced to death on February 3rd, 1892. He had a history of resisting arrest and causing disturbances. On January 18, 1893, his sentence was commuted to life. Two weeks later he was transferred to the Matteawan Insane Asylum. Patrolman Sherman had served with the New York Police Department for five years and was assigned to the 26th Precinct, the present day 24th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-754F99F4- 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
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Sherman gave the New York Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John J. Sherman 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 J. Sherman's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Sherman Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Sherman is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Sherman was killed by edged weapon; razor.
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.
