Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective James Burke was shot and killed on a robbery stakeout in a store on Webster Avenue in the Bronx. When the two robbery suspects entered, Detective Burke burst from his hiding spot and opened fire on them. Both men returned fire, killing the detective. The suspects were apprehended approximately two months later. Both were sentenced to death and executed on July 22, 1948. Detective Burke served with the New York City Police Department for 25 years and was assigned to the 48th squad.
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BO-US-NY-C5F9945F- 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
25 years. You could have gone home.
Detective Burke gave the New York City Police Department 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Burke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James J. Burke 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 New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James J. Burke's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Burke Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Burke is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Burke was killed by gun.
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.
