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Incident
Patrolman Harkins was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at a local business. Patrolman Harkins, along with his partner, Officer Quinn, were making "routine" checks of the business district when they discovered a break-in at McIntee Motors on Youngstown-Poland Road. They observed a broken window and that a desk in the office area had been ransacked. Officer Quinn entered the building and Harkins followed on the outside of the building until Quinn opened an overhead garage door to allow Harkins to enter the business. Officer Quinn spotted William Corey trying to hide behind a desk and a struggle ensued. Officer Harkins had moved to check a restroom. Just as Officer Harkins opened the restroom door, four shots rang out. Officer Harkins was shot twice in the chest and once in the abdomen. Officer Quinn, who was still struggling with William Corey, managed to subdue William Corey and managed to coax the shooter, John Corey, out of the restroom. John Corey was found to be armed with a Luger and had a 32 caliber revolver in his pants as well as the service weapon of the fallen officer. Both suspects were later convicted of 1st Degree Murder and sentenced to "Life" in prison. However, William Corey was paroled from the Ohio State Penitentiary on December 22, 1969, only 17 years after the murder of Officer Harkins. On November 08, 1972, Ohio Governor John J. Gilligan reduced John Corey's 1st Degree Murder conviction to 2nd Degree Murder making him eligible for parole. John Corey was paroled from the Chillicothe Correctional Facility on December 12, 1972, only 20 years after the murder of a police officer.
Survivors
Officer Harkins was survived by his wife, two daughters, his mother, and one sister.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Harkins served with the Struthers Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Struthers community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Harkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Struthers Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1952, 4 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 35. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
John was 35. 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.
John was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 9.1% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 17%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Struthers Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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.
His people
Struthers Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Struthers Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
