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Incident
Detective Sergeant Downs was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a confidence man at Quay Street and Jefferson Avenue (now John B. Daly Blvd and Rainbow Blvd.) The shooting occurred after a lengthy foot chase that began on the State Reservation. The suspect shot Detective Sergeant Downs with his own weapon after a struggle. The suspect was apprehended and convicted. Detective Sergeant Downs had served with the Niagara Falls Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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 Sergeant Downs gave the Niagara Falls Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Niagara Falls community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Downs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Niagara Falls Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 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 1923, 13 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 59. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 59. 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. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 59. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Fridays: 14.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Niagara Falls Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 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
Niagara Falls Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Niagara Falls Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
