Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Goldhammer was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a suspect wanted for several robberies. Sergeant Goldhammer, disguised as a civilian, went to the suspect's home a 1270 First Avenue, Manhattan, to attempt to locate the suspect. When he arrived the suspect answered the door. When Sergeant Goldhammer attempted to arrest him the suspect fled into his apartment and picked up a .32-caliber revolver from his room. While struggling with Sergeant Goldhammer the suspect fired one shot, killing him.
The suspect was arrested without incident by the first officer who responded to the report of the shooting.
Sergeant Goldhammer had been with the agency for 12 years and was in charge of the Rackets Squad.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-8A621A58- 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.
Detective Sergeant Goldhammer gave the New York City Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Goldhammer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant John B. Goldhammer 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 B. Goldhammer's cause is highlighted.
How John B. Goldhammer Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John B. Goldhammer is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John B. Goldhammer was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
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.
