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Patrolman James A. Schowers | New York City Police Department, New York New York City Police Department, New York

Patrolman

James A. Schowers

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch: Tuesday, September 23, 1941

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 40

Tour: 14 years

Badge # 16845

Cause: Assault

Incident Date: 9/23/1941

Weapon: Person

Suspect: Apprehended

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Patrolman Schowers was killed when he fell 15 feet during a struggle with two suspects.

Patrolman Schowers was assigned to plain cloths duty when he observed two suspicious men following a woman into a building at 2032 5th Avenue, Manhattan. Patrolman Schowers entered the building and climbed the stairs, where he confronted the two men. A struggle ensued and Patrolman Schowers was pushed over the railing of the stairs. He fell 15 feet to the ground and was killed instantly.

Two suspects were arrested and charged with murder.

Patrolman Schowers was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his actions.

Patrolman Schowers was a full blooded Sioux Indian, known as Chief Many Rains. He was the first full blooded American Indian to served with the New York City Police Department and is the only American Indian police officer to die in the line of duty in New York City. He was a direct descendant of the famous Chief Sitting Bull.

Patrolman Schowers served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years and was survived by his wife. He was assigned to the 28th Precinct.

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The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx
March 31, 2009

 

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