Incident
Patrolman Michael Kavanagh was struck and killed by a vehicle fleeing officers on the Southern State Parkway. The subject was traveling east in the westbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway, attempting to elude police. Patrolman Kavanagh was diverting traffic at Newbridge Road when the suspect vehicle struck him. Patrolman Kavanagh had served with the Nassau County Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife and three children. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart for his actions.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-BFF95D17- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Kavanagh gave the Nassau County Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mineola community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kavanagh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Michael J. Kavanagh 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 Nassau County Police Department, 12 of 51 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 23.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael J. Kavanagh's cause is highlighted.
How Michael J. Kavanagh Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael J. Kavanagh is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael J. Kavanagh was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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