Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Joseph Nolan was killed when he was hit in the head with a brick thrown from the roof of a building. Patrolman Nolan was walking his beat when he heard gunshots in the vicinity of West 39th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues in Manhattan. Patrolman Nolan stopped and questioned three men in front of 526 West 39th Street, and then released them. While standing in front of the same location and talking with two other patrolmen about the shots he had heard, several bricks were thrown from the roof of the building. One of the bricks struck Patrolman Nolan in the head, killing him. An investigation revealed that the brick was thrown from an apartment where a party was being held. Two men were arrested the following day. One of them, age 18, was charged with homicide while the tenant was charged with violating New York State's Sullivan Act after several weapons were found in his apartment. Patrolman Nolan was assigned to the 22nd Precinct. His wife and infant daughter survived him.
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BO-US-NY-AC770192- Stewardship
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- 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 Nolan served with the New York City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Nolan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Joseph A. Nolan 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. Joseph A. Nolan's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph A. Nolan Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph A. Nolan is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph A. Nolan was killed by blunt object; brick.
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.
