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Incident
Patrolman Donohue was attacked and killed by a man he had arrested several times prior. The suspect was a frequent customer at an unsavory saloon on 1st street. The suspect and several others had taken exception to the fact that Patrolman Donohue had arrested them on several occasions for disorderly behavior. On the night in question, a group of 13 men waited for Patrolman Donohue to approach. When he did, they began singing vulgar songs. Patrolman Donohue ordered them to stop, and they did. When Patrolman Donohue turned to leave, one of the men struck Patrolman Donohue on the head with a heavy cart ring, killing him. Other officers arrested the subject on the scene. The subject was convicted of murder and executed on December 6, 1872. Patrolman Donohue was assigned to the 5th Precinct, the present day 90th Precinct. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, New York.
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Tributes
154 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Donohue served with the Brooklyn Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Brooklyn Police Department has lost 9 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1872, 1 officer at Brooklyn Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1876, with 2.
In 1872, 4 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 64th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1872, 32 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 154th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1872, 36 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 151st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 33.3% of these deaths at Brooklyn Police Department, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.7%.
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Sundays: 13.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 9 deaths at Brooklyn Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 2.3% 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 blunt object, in 1.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.1% of these deaths.
His people
Brooklyn Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Brooklyn Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
