Prev
Incident
Officer John Kennedy was shot and killed when he was ambushed as he sat in his patrol car. He was writing a report while parked a gas station at the intersection of W. Atlantic Avenue and NW Eight Avenue shortly before 1:20 am. His body was located after he failed to respond to radio transmissions. One of the suspects was arrested and convicted of second degree murder. He died in prison on February 24th, 2016. Officer Kennedy had served with the Delray Beach Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, five children, parents, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn1j3rc0bksmw50eb2my- 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 John. 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.
Officer Kennedy gave the Delray Beach Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Delray Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Delray Beach Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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 1974, 9 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 32. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 32. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 32. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Delray Beach Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.7% 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
Delray Beach Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Delray Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
