Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Rodney Gillis was killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks while attempting to rescue the victims trapped in the World Trade Center.
Sergeant Gillis had served with the New York City Police Department for 13 years and was assigned to ESU Truck 8. He is survived his two daughters, son, brother, and his parents.
He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.
My name is Denise McAnally from Iowa. After this tragic, tragic event took place. I sent money to try and help. I bought this braclet with the name of Rodney Gillis, NYPD. I've kept it safe for 23 years. I would like to send this to the family of Rodney. If anyone knows how to do that. Could you please contact me. Maybe they don't want it. But, I thought I would give it a try. Thank You Denise
Denise McAnally October 11th, 2024
September 11, 2001
Sergeant Rodney C. Gillis was killed at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001. He was 33 years old.
He is one of 72 officers honored here, and one of 23 at New York City Police Department.
Seventy-two law enforcement officers from eight local, state, and federal agencies were killed at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, alongside 343 members of the New York City Fire Department and more than 2,800 civilians. A fourth aircraft went down in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a law enforcement officer aboard was among the dead.
Officers went into the towers while everyone else was coming out. More than 25,000 people reached safety because they did.
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You went in while everyone else was coming out.
Sergeant Gillis gave the New York City Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Gillis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Rodney C. Gillis 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. Rodney C. Gillis's cause is highlighted.
How Rodney C. Gillis Compares
Offender Outcome
19 suicide attackers
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Rodney C. Gillis is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Rodney C. Gillis was killed by aircraft; passenger jet.
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.
