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Incident
Police Officer Irving Smith was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a robbery in progress while off-duty. Officer Smith was in a bar at 477 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, when two men who were in the bar attempted to rob it. One man drew a .32 caliber handgun and the other a 12-inch knife and ordered all the customers to lie on the floor. Officer Smith drew his firearm and identified himself as a police officer and ordered the men to drop their weapons. The suspect armed with the gun opened fire, and in an exchange of gunfire Officer Smith and the suspect were both killed. The suspect with the knife was also struck by Officer Smith's gunfire but was able to flee. He was arrested later that night when he arrived at the hospital seeking medical attention. The surviving suspect, who as on parole for robbery, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. He was paroled in 2001 after serving 21 years. Officer Smith was assigned to the Transit Authority Police Academy, where he was a firearms instructor.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Smith gave the New York City Transit Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New York City Transit Police Department has lost 14 officers; 11 of them killed feloniously.
Irving is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Irving is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Irving 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 1980, 3 officers at New York City Transit Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1980, 13 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1980, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1980, 141 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Irving was 42. Of the 11 killed feloniously at New York City Transit Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 33.5 and 38.5; the middle age was 36. Irving had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Irving was 42. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Irving had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Irving was 42. 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. Irving had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Irving was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Irving had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 27.3% of these deaths at New York City Transit Police Department; June holds the most, 36.4%. Fridays: 27.3%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Fridays: 14.7%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 78.6% of all 14 deaths at New York City Transit Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 36.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21.5% 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
New York City Transit Police Department has 14 officers remembered here, Irving among them.
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John Tuohy
Mar 20, 1963
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Lloyd Herman Innes
Jun 16, 1967
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Michael Melchiona
Feb 28, 1970
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John M Skagen
Jun 28, 1972
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Sidney L. Thompson
Jun 5, 1973
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George Caccavale
Jun 26, 1976
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Carlos King
Dec 20, 1976
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Seraphin Calabrese
Feb 24, 1980
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Irving W. Smith
Feb 29, 1980
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Joseph Keegan
Jun 19, 1980
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Joseph Hamperian
Sep 22, 1983
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Irma Fran Lozada
Sep 21, 1984
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Robert Venable
Sep 22, 1987
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William T. Martin
Apr 9, 2011
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
