Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Pendergrass was shot and killed on West 140th Street near 5th Avenue, in Harlem, while chasing a subject wanted for robbing a liquor store. Patrolman Pendergrass was able to return fire and wound the suspect in the arm. The subject was taken into custody the next day and charged with murder. He was later convicted of Patrolman Pendergrass' murder and executed on July 15, 1954. Patrolman Pendergrass was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor. Patrolman Pendergrass served with the New York City Police Department for 24 years and was assigned to the West 135th Street Station (32nd Precinct).
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-7CDD2D14- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
24 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Pendergrass gave the New York City Police Department 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Pendergrass.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John L. Pendergrass is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John L. Pendergrass's cause is highlighted.
How John L. Pendergrass Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John L. Pendergrass is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John L. Pendergrass was killed by gun.
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.
