Prev
Incident
Patrolman Stenzel was accidentally shot and killed by a civilian who mistook the officer for a burglar. Patrolman Stenzel had been checking doors in an alley behind a row of businesses just after 1 a.m. when he shook the door handle at the rear of Freddies Donut Shop at 421 3rd Street. The manager and an employee of the business awakened. They mistook Patrolman Stenzel for a burglar and both opened fire, killing him.
Survivors
Patrolman Stenzel was survived by his wife and son, who also served as a Patrolman for the Niagara Falls Police Department.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnc93eekk2z18x5tdend- 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.
Patrolman Stenzel served with the Niagara Falls Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Niagara Falls community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Stenzel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Niagara Falls Police Department has lost 7 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 641 officers lost to accidents in NY, 30.1% of the 2,132 remembered there.
John is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1941, 7 officers in NY were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 137 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 24.
In 1941, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1941, 90 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 53. Of the 575 lost to accidents in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 37.
John was 53. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
John was 53. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
January holds 7.3% of these deaths in NY; October holds the most, 10.3%. Mondays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.4%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at Niagara Falls Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.1% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
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.
