Michael J. Morgan

Patrolman Michael Morgan died as a result of complications of influenza while in the performance of his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

In August 1918, the first cases of influenza were reported in New York City, resulting in fewer than 31,600 deaths from the fall of 1918 until the final fourth wave in April 1920. The New York City Police Department's response to the pandemic was to enforce the health laws, including wearing masks and restricting large gatherings at churches, schools, theatres, and patrolling hot spots and quarantine zones.

On June 26, 1917, while assigned to the Anti-Vice Squad, Patrolman Morgan was seriously wounded while working a plainclothes assignment disguised in a United States Navy Uniform, looking for bootleggers. He recovered from his wound after several months in the hospital and returned to full duty in late 1917.

Patrolman Morgan served with the New York City Police Department for five years and was assigned to the 96th Precinct. He was survived by his parents and siblings. On October 24, 1918, Patrolman Morgan's brother succumbed to wounds received in combat in France while serving in the United States Army. His brother would have been on the Police Department's eligible list and would have been appointed a New York City Police Officer if not for World War I.