Incident
Deputy Sheriff Robert Berwick was shot and killed while attempting to serve a writ on a subject on Broadway near St. Paul's Church.
As Deputy Berwick walked with the prisoner to jail the man suddenly pulled out a pistol and shot him in the chest. The man ran to towards Barclay Street where he handed two pistols to another citizen who ran from his house upon hearing the gunshot.
The man was convicted of Deputy Berwick's murder and executed on August 17th, 1797.
Deputy Berwick was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Deputy Berwick was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp0e15r43sbcg96r12nf- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute - 1 candle.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. 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
229 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Berwick served with the New York County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of New York County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Robert is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1797, 1 officer in NY was killed feloniously, the 128th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1797, 2 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 190th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1797, 2 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 209th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
June holds 6.5% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Thursdays: 15.7%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at New York County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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, 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from New York County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.