Prev
Incident
Watchman Patrick Slevin succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three days earlier while approaching a group of men near the intersection of 10th Street and Catharine Street.
Watchman Slevin's Captain had held roll call in the area of 13th Street and Christian Street due to a suspicious fire of a horse stable and the fear there was going to be retaliation against a group of men who were causing crime in the area. After roll call, the Captain started to walk back to the city hall, believing there was going to be no retaliation. As he reached the area of 10th Street and Catharine Street he spotted a group of men near a hillside near a fenced-in area.
He was surrounded by the group of eight men who threatened him shoot him unless he turned around and left the area. Due to only being armed with his baton he left the area and met Watchman Slevin and another officer a couple of blocks away. As the three officers returned to the area multiple shots were fired from the group. Watchman Slevin was struck in the chest, and the Captain was struck twice in his leg.
Watchman Slevin was taken to his home where he succumbed to his gunshot wound three days later.
It is not known if anybody was ever captured and held officer Sleven's murder.
Watchman Sleven was survived by his wife, and two small children.
Survivors
Watchman Sleven was survived by his wife, and two small children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp1rb5p0k34q9d69zde3- 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 Patrick. 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
176 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watchman Slevin served with the Moyamensing Township Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Moyamensing Township Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Patrick is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Patrick is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Patrick 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 1850, 3 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1850, 9 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 173rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1850, 10 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 179th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Patrick was 30. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Patrick was 30. 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.
Patrick was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Saturdays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Moyamensing Township Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 4.5% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Moyamensing Township Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Patrick among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Moyamensing Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.