Incident
Police Officer James Fagan was shot and killed while he and another patrolman were attempting to arrest three convicts who had just murdered Guard John Hartyre of the New York State Department of Corrections during a prison break from Sing Sing Prison. One of the convicts was shot and killed and the other two were arrested. The two who were arrested were convicted of murdering Guard Hartyre, sentenced to death, and both were executed on June 11th, 1942. Neither prisoner was tried for murdering Officer Fagan. Officer Fagan had served with the Ossining Village Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-9F3248A6- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Fagan gave the Ossining Village Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ossining community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Fagan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer James Worden Fagan 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 Ossining Village Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Worden Fagan's cause is highlighted.
How James Worden Fagan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Worden Fagan is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Worden Fagan was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Ossining Village Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
