New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, September 29, 1983
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 27434
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 29, 1983
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer Joseph McCormack was shot and killed by an emotionally disturbed suspect who had barricaded himself in a house after he was not allowed to see his young son.
When police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the suspect had a shotgun. As they attempted to talk the suspect out of the house, the suspect exited through the rear door and fired the shotgun. The shot struck Officer McCormack in an area under his armpit that was not protected by his vest. Other officers returned fire, killing the suspect.
Officer McCormack had served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the Emergency Service Unit. He was survived by his wife and three children. His son joined the New York City Police Department in 1999.