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Incident
Patrolman Paul Durkin was shot and killed after stopping a man on suspicion of petty theft in the 2300 block of Goleta Avenue at 4:10 a.m. He witnessed a subject carrying several items he believed to be stolen. Before he had an opportunity to exit his vehicle, the man shot him through the window of his patrol car twice at point-blank range with a .22 caliber handgun. When Patrolman Durkin was found by responding officers, the stolen items of a car stereo, speakers, and clothes were found next to his cruiser. The subject was apprehended later the same day. The man was convicted of Patrolman Durkin's murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. He was denied parole three times and will be eligible again in 2027. Patrolman Durkin had served with the Youngstown Police Department for 12 years and was the 1983 officer of the year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Durkin gave the Youngstown Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Youngstown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Durkin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Youngstown Police Department has lost 12 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
Paul is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul 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, 1 officer at Youngstown Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1987, 6 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
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
Paul was 34. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Youngstown Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30.8 and 38.8; the middle age was 34.5. Paul had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Paul was 34. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Paul was 34. 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. Paul had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 12.5% of these deaths at Youngstown Police Department; December holds the most, 25%. Tuesdays: 37.5%.
September holds 8.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 12 deaths at Youngstown Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 62.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Youngstown Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
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William Freed
May 20, 1891
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Alfred Evans
Nov 5, 1911
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Samuel Banks
Oct 6, 1919
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Alexander Warren
May 3, 1921
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George Leonard
Mar 30, 1924
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Benjamin J. Yeadon
Feb 7, 1925
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Henry Alosious Clemens
Dec 4, 1927
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Frank Cichon
Dec 21, 1963
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Ralph J. DeSalle, Jr.
Jun 13, 1984
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Paul Joseph Durkin
Sep 22, 1987
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Millard Williams
Apr 14, 1992
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Michael Thomas Hartzell
Apr 29, 2003
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Youngstown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
