Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Long was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man in a parking lot at 165th Street and Archer Avenue in Jamaica, Queens. Patrolman Long observed the man tampering with an automobile, and when he approached to make the arrest, the suspect opened fire, killing Patrolman Long. The suspect was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, approximately two weeks later. He was convicted of murder on March 26, 1957, and sentenced to death. He was executed at Sing Sing Prison on November 20, 1958. Patrolman Long was posthumously awarded the department's Medal of Honor at the 1957 awards ceremony. In 1959 a new police launch was christened the "Patrolman Long" in his honor. He had served with the New York City Police Department for only 2 years and was assigned to the 103rd Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-925704A1- 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.
Patrolman Long gave the New York City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Long.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William G. Long 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. William G. Long's cause is highlighted.
How William G. Long Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1958
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William G. Long is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William G. Long 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.
