Roll of Honor
Edward T. Cunningham
Incident
Corrections Sergeant Edward Cunningham died from injuries sustained in a prison riot at Attica Prison. Six other correctional officers were also killed during the riot. The leader of the riot was never charged with any crime. After his release from prison, he shot and killed Police Officer Norman R. Cerullo and Police Officer Christie D. Masone of the New York City Police Department on April 2, 1978, on a Brooklyn Street. Sergeant Cunningham was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, having fought in the Pacific theater. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and various other medals. Sergeant Cunningham had served with the New York State Department of Correctional Services for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and seven sons. Four of his sons and two of his grandsons followed him in this line of work.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and seven sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-A4CEDD2F- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Corrections Sergeant Cunningham gave the New York State Department of Correctional Services 22 years.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Edward T. Cunningham served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Corrections Sergeant Edward T. Cunningham 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 State Department of Correctional Services, 26 of 36 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edward T. Cunningham's cause is highlighted.
How Edward T. Cunningham Compares
Offender Outcome
Never charged
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward T. Cunningham is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward T. Cunningham was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
35 officers from New York State Department of Correctional Services are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
