Roll of Honor
Incident
Location: Ohio Incident Date: Friday, August 22, 1919 Weapon: Gun; Unknown type Offender: At large
Detective John Boss was shot and killed as he arrested two thieves on a freight train near Graytown, Ohio. He and several other railroad detectives were guarding the merchandise train as it headed for Toledo, Ohio.
He encountered two men hiding in a freight car and was placing them in handcuffs when a third suspect opened fire on him, striking him the abdomen. All three suspects then fled.
Detective Boss was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, where he succumbed to his wound.
A suspect was arrested several days later and held in connection with his murder.
Rest in peace sir and always know that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) August 24th, 2020
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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.
Detective Boss served with the New York Central Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Boss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective John Boss 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 Central Railroad Police Department, 8 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Boss's cause is highlighted.
How John Boss Compares
Offender Outcome
At large
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Boss is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Boss was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York Central Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
