Incident
Detective Harvey was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest two suspected burglars. Detective Harvey was in the act of making the arrest when one of the suspects turned around and drew a revolver. He then shot Detective Harvey in the head, killing him instantly. The two suspects were chased by several citizens who apprehended one suspect and turned him over to the police. The suspect was convicted of Detective Harvey's murder and executed on May 14, 1894. Detective Harvey had served with the Syracuse Police Department for 24 years. He had previously served as chief of the agency.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
133 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Detective Harvey gave the Syracuse Police Department 24 years.
Thank you for your service to the Syracuse community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Syracuse Police Department has lost 12 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1893, 1 officer at Syracuse Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1893, 1 officer in NY was killed feloniously, the 128th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1893, 76 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1893, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
James had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 22.2% of these deaths at Syracuse Police Department; April holds the most, 22.2%. Tuesdays: 22.2%.
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Tuesdays: 16.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 12 deaths at Syracuse Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.2% 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.
His people
Syracuse Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, James among them.
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James A. Harvey
Aug 1, 1893
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Ernest T. Griffin Jun 12, 1921
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Pierson C. Near
Jan 7, 1923
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George E. Caldwell Jul 10, 1928
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James Hannon
Jun 13, 1929
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Michael English
Sep 22, 1935
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Andrew W. Wolfrom
Feb 1, 1937
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John S. Jarmacz Aug 30, 1947
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James Michael Considine
Apr 10, 1954
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Mercer E. Weiskotten
Sep 23, 1954
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Wallie Howard, Jr.
Oct 30, 1990
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Michael E. Jensen
Apr 14, 2024
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Syracuse Police Department are honored on badge.nw.







