Prev
Incident
Officer Phillip McDonald was struck and killed by a fleeing truck following a vehicle pursuit of a burglary suspect. The pursuit ended 25 miles away in Herkimer. Officer McDonald, one of several officers in pursuit, got past the truck a considerable distance. He got out of his patrol car, drew his revolver, and pointed it at the approaching driver. Forseeing arrest the driver jumped from the drivers seat and the driverless truck struck Officer McDonald. The suspect was captured minutes later. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to prison. Officer McDonald had served with the agency for 19 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpknc7896qg48163743j- 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 Phillip. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer McDonald gave the Rome Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rome community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer McDonald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Phillip is the only officer of Rome Police Department remembered here.
Phillip is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Phillip is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Phillip 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 1920, 8 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Phillip was 53. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Phillip had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Phillip was 53. 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. Phillip had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Phillip was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Phillip had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 7.6% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Wednesdays: 9.7%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Rome Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, 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 automobile, in 6.5% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Rome Police Department are honored on badge.nw.