Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Frederick Smith was shot and killed in the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Redeemer, located on Third Street between Avenues A and B, by a burglar who was stealing the "poor box." Patrolman Smith and another Patrolman were on foot patrol when two priests came out of the Church and notified them that someone had broken in. As the Patrolman searched the inside of the Church, Patrolman Smith was shot by the burglar. The subject was apprehended by several citizens as he climbed out a window of the Church. A group of citizens held the subject until additional Patrolmen arrived and took him into custody. The subject was convicted of murder and executed on May 21, 1900. Patrolman Smith had served with the New York Police Department for 15-years and was assigned to the 14th Precinct, the present day 9th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-932FBA53- 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
129 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Smith gave the New York Police Department 15 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 Frederick Smith 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. Frederick Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Frederick Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1900
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frederick Smith is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frederick Smith 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.
