Prev
Incident
Patrolman John McDowell suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being involved in a violent struggle with a juvenile.
He and his partner were en route to to pick up their relief officer at approximately 11:20 pm when they observed a group of disorderly juveniles in front of a hoagie shop at the corner of Church Lane and Whitby Avenue.
All but one of the subjects complied with the officers' orders to disperse. The juvenile who remained became belligerent, and the shop owner grabbed him in an attempt to restrain him. A violent struggle ensued in which Patrolman McDowell and his partner were able to subdue the boy.
After making the arrest the officers continued to the home of their relieve officer. As they approached the home Patrolman McDowell, who was driving, suffered a heart attack and collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Patrolman McDowell had served with the Yeadon Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, mother, and three siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq3g12yz6mvs1h5tf0kc- 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 John. 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.
Patrolman McDowell gave the Yeadon Borough Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Yeadon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McDowell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
John is the only officer of Yeadon Borough Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 118 officers lost to cardiac events in PA, 9.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
John is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1955, 4 officers in PA were lost to cardiac events, the 2nd heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1957, with 5.
In 1955, 16 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1955, 16 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
John was 44. Of the 118 lost to cardiac events in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 56; the middle age was 48. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 15.4 years.
John was 44. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
John was 44. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
October holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; January holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 14.4%.
October holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 14.3%.
October holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.4%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Yeadon Borough Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 9.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Yeadon Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.