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Incident
Patrolman Max Lefkowitz was shot and killed with his own service weapon near the intersection of 5th Avenue and Market Street while attempting to arrest a man for disorderly conduct.
During the arrest, the suspect suddenly pulled out a knife and stabbed him 12 times. Although wounded, Patrolman Lefkowitz continued to struggle with the man. The suspect was able to gain control of Patrolman Lefkowitz's service weapon and shot him in the chest twice. The suspect fled the scene, but a blood trail led police to a box car, where he was found unconscious due to a loss of blood.
On October 12, 1924, the suspect, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years.
Patrolman Lefkowitz had served with the McKeesport Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Lefkowitz gave the McKeesport Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the McKeesport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lefkowitz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McKeesport Police Department has lost 8 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Max is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Max is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Max 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 1924, 16 officers in PA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Max was 55. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Max had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Max was 55. 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. Max had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Max was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Max had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 8 deaths at McKeesport Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
McKeesport Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Max among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from McKeesport Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
