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Incident
Patrolman James Mynderse was struck and killed by a train in the downtown area of Schenectady. A woman who was shopping in the area was crossing a double track when two trains from opposite directions were approaching. The woman became paralyzed with fear, and Patrolman Mynderse, who was at a walking post near the crossing, immediately ran to her and pushed her out of the way. Patrolman Mynderse narrowly escaped being struck by the first train but stepped back onto the other tracks and was struck by the second train. The City Council honored his service by naming a new street after him. Patrolman Mynderse had served with the Schenectady Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Mynderse gave the Schenectady Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Schenectady community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mynderse.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Schenectady Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 641 officers lost to accidents in NY, 30.1% of the 2,132 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1900, 1 officer in NY was lost to accidents, the 110th heaviest of 137 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 24.
In 1900, 17 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 124th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1900, 27 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 121st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 42. Of the 575 lost to accidents in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 37. James had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
James was 42. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 42. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.8% of these deaths in NY; October holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 12.6%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Schenectady Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.1% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Schenectady Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Schenectady Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
