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Incident
Detective Jack Phillips was killed in an automobile accident. Detective Phillips and several other detectives were returning from the Bronx after completing an investigation when they were involved in an automobile accident. The detectives’ vehicle overturned after swerving to miss an oncoming vehicle. The other detectives were seriously injured while Detective Phillips was killed. Detective Phillips is survived by his wife and four sons. He received four separate commendations for his police work during his career, including his work on the 1977 Valentine's Day Massacre that killed Patrolman Allen McLeod.
Survivors
Detective Phillips is survived by his wife and four sons.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Phillips gave the New Rochelle Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Rochelle community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Phillips.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
New Rochelle Police Department has lost 10 officers; 6 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 641 officers lost to accidents in NY, 30.1% of the 2,132 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1981, 1 officer at New Rochelle Police Department was lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 2.
In 1981, 3 officers in NY were lost to accidents, the 62nd heaviest of 137 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 24.
In 1981, 63 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 68th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1981, 81 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 43. Of the 6 lost to accidents at New Rochelle Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 37.5 and 42.5; the middle age was 40. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 12.5 years.
John was 43. Of the 575 lost to accidents in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 37. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 43. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 43. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 16.7% of these deaths at New Rochelle Police Department; September holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 16.7%.
October holds 10.3% of these deaths in NY, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.4%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 60% of all 10 deaths at New Rochelle Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.1% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
New Rochelle Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, John among them.
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Maurice Ahearn
Jun 20, 1903
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Thomas L. Payne
Sep 23, 1929
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Daniel F. Murphy
Apr 25, 1930
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Timothy Mahoney
May 5, 1930
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William E. Mancusi
Jul 20, 1934
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Allen Bruce McLeod, Sr.
Feb 14, 1977
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John C. Phillips
Oct 1, 1981
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Gary D. Pagano
Sep 14, 1982
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Kathleen O'Connor-Funigiello
Aug 16, 2018
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Mark S. Gado
Sep 16, 2018
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from New Rochelle Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
