Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer George Werdann was shot and killed as he attempted to apprehend two suspects who had just robbed a supermarket at 8:30 p.m. Officer Werdann, who was off-duty, observed the robbery and pursued the suspects in his personal vehicle. While Officer Werdann attempted to apprehend one of the suspects, he was shot and killed by the other suspect. The two suspects, brothers, 17 and 19, were arrested at their mother's home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, six weeks later and charged with Officer Werdann's murder and robbery. On November 25, 1982, the older brother was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years to life. Officer Werdann served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was assigned to the 47th Precinct. He was survived by his parents and sister. The school next to the 52 Precinct, where he was killed, is named P.O. George J Werdann III. Officer Werdann's grandfather, Sergeant Werdann, was also killed in the line of duty with the New York City Police Department in 1932.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-86C754EA- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Werdann gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Werdann.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer George J. Werdann 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 J. Werdann's cause is highlighted.
How George J. Werdann Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George J. Werdann is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George J. Werdann was killed by gun; unknown type.
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.
