Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff David Clark was shot and killed as he and another deputy were escorting three prisoners from the court inside the DeWitt Town Hall. On the evening of February 10, 1987, after the deputies recuffed the inmates and were walking into the foyer, one of the prisoners grabbed the other deputy's gun and opened fire, striking Deputy Clark and shooting the other deputy three times. Deputy Clark was transported to Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital, where he passed away at 1:10 a.m. The subject, a convicted felon who had been released from prison in December 1986 despite being denied parole in August 1986, was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. He was sentenced to life plus 60 years in prison. He was also sentenced to 20 years on unrelated robbery and drug charges. He will be eligible for parole in 2060. Deputy Clark had served with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmqzqgyxskaw9n12xbys- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew David. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Clark gave the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Syracuse community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Clark.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1987, 9 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1987, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1987, 117 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 33. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. David had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
David was 33. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Wednesdays: 9.7%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Onondaga County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
