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Incident
Detective Patrick Gaffney succumbed to a gunshot wound when he was shot at Elm Street and Coit Road area after responding to a report of two men trying to steal a car. As Detective Gaffney and his partner arrived, the suspects immediately opened fire. During the ensuing foot pursuit and shootout, Detective Gaffney was transported to the East Cleveland Hospital where he died from being struck in the lung. The suspect who shot Detective Gaffney was eventually apprehended and sentenced to life in prison on December 12, 1920. He died in prison on July 27, 1937. Detective Gaffney had served with the East Cleveland Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Detective Gaffney gave the East Cleveland Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Gaffney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East Cleveland Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Patrick is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Patrick is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Patrick 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 1918, 15 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Patrick was 35. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Patrick had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Patrick was 35. 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. Patrick had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Patrick was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Patrick had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at East Cleveland Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
East Cleveland Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Patrick among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from East Cleveland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
