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Patrolman William J. Costello | Pennsylvania Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police Pennsylvania Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

Patrolman

William J. Costello

Pennsylvania Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch: Wednesday, July 11, 1945

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 52

Tour: Not available

Badge # Not available

Cause: Heart attack

Location: New York

Incident Date: 7/11/1945

Weapon: Person

Suspect: Deceased

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Patrolman Costello suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling with a suspect in Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan, New York City. Patrolman Costello observed a man with a nosebleed and offered to help him. The two walked to the railroad police office when the man suddenly began attack Patrolman Costello, punching him repeatedly in the chest. The suspect then suffered a fatal heart attack and collapsed. When paramedics arrived Patrolman Costello told them he was feeling ill and he was advised to go home. Shortly after arriving home he too suffered a fatal heart attack.

Patrolman Costello was a WWI veteran and was survived by his wife.

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Most Recent Reflection

Patrolman Costello, today marks the 63rd anniversary of your tragic death. Though I normally condemn those who cause the death of a Police Officer, I cannot condemn the man who caused yours as his death silenced his explanation. We may never know what caused this man to suddenly go berserk but regardless, he was being helped by a selfless, caring Police Officer. Your duty to the Railroad, its passengers and customers and the public in general is to be commended and praised. America’s railroads are one of the reasons this country is as great as it is and special women and men such as you helped make those railroads great.


You are also to be thanked for your service in the Great War. You are a hero.


God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
July 11, 2008

 

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