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Incident
Keeper Morris Broderson and Keeper Daniel Horgan were shot and killed by a prisoner attempting to escape the Bronx County Jail in the Bergen Building at the intersection of Arthur Avenue and 177th Street (present-day East Tremont Avenue).
Keeper Broderson had entered the cellblock where the prisoner was being held to open cells. Unknown to Keeper Broderson the suspect had been smuggled two guns by two men and a woman. They attached the guns to long poles and from an adjoining rooftop passed the guns through a small hole in the window of the prisoner's cell. When Keeper Broderson opened the prisoner's cell the man approached him complaining that he did not feel well. When Keeper Broderson moved closer the man pulled a concealed .38-caliber handgun and fired twice. Keeper Broderson attempted to hold the prisoner but was unable to. The man took Keeper Broderson's keys and made his way towards the exit to the cell block.
The man exited the cell block with Keeper Broderson's keys and made his way down the stairs where he came to another locked door that the stolen keys could not open. Keeper Horgan stood on the other side of the locked exit and ordered the man to surrender. The man fired two times at the door lock, but the shots had no effect. He then fired two more times, this time at Keeper Horgan, killing him instantly. The man attempted to reach through the door for Keeper Horgan's keys but was unable to reach them.
The man went back the way he had come and attempted to escape out a fourth-floor window, but it was sealed with bars. Having nowhere else to go, and about to be captured, he drew a second gun, a .22-caliber and killed himself.
Keeper Broderson had served with the Bronx County Sheriff's Department for seven months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Keeper Broderson served with the Bronx County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Bronx community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Keeper Broderson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bronx County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Morris is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Morris is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Morris is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 9 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Morris was 40. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Morris had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Morris was 40. 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. Morris had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Morris was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Morris had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Thursdays: 15.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Bronx County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 100% 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; .38 caliber, in 0.8% 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; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Bronx County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Morris among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bronx County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.