Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer James T. Dunston

New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York

End of Watch Thursday, November 20, 1980

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Reflections for Police Officer James T. Dunston

This week another family in the Metropolitan New York area is experiencing the sudden loss of their spouse, parent, extended family, neighbor, coworker and friend. For some though it's more or less a headline. For those who have had to endure this tragedy, it must be especially painful. Jimmy was a dedicated father who wanted this world to be a better place. I just want to say, even without these painful reminders, Jimmy Dunston, you are not forgotten.

Grace Anker
Neighbor

March 29, 2024

Good morning .My name is Robert Arrington I am retired Det.NYPD. James Dunston was my training officer at PSA#5 Duck as I called him was a wonderful PO and man.He taught me so much.On the day of his death I was working in the sector Duck was killed in.Duck and his partner relieved meand my partner in their RMP.They just got thier pictures taken at PSA#6 and relieved us so we could get ours taken.We heard the call on the radio of cop shot while at PSA#6.By the time we raced to the scene they were carrying Duck out of the building.I will always love and honor my hero training officer PO James Duck DunstonRIP. DUCK Love the KID as you always called me.

Retired Detective Robert Arrington
NYPD

January 26, 2022

Grandpa, I wish you were here! I can only imagine how excited you would have been when I told you that I got a job at the White House, or when I would have told you that I spoke to VP Harris, or that I've had the chance to go into the oval office. While we never got the chance to meet, your character has set the standard for your legacy. Thank you for being the man, husband, father and officer you were. Much love

Ms. Dejah Whitehead
Granddaughter

December 16, 2021

I remember P.O. Sunstone like it was yesterday. Great cop with his heart in the community. I worked in the same PSA though not on duty that horrible day.

Retired Lt. Walter Perez
Co-worker

December 12, 2021

Thank you for your service. My deepest condolences to your family.

It's appalling and heartbreaking that one of your killers was released. That's unacceptable, and it's not justice. You and your family deserve better justice than that. My prayers to your family for the additional anguish this is causing them.

https://wham1180.iheart.com/alternate/amp/2021-04-17-lonsberry-another-cop-killer-released-in-rochester/?__twitter_impression=true

MaryAnn A

April 19, 2021

i host a radio program in rochester, new york, where one of the murderers of officer dunston has recently been paroled. i am looking for family or friends who can tell listeners who officer dunston was and what kind of man he was.
thank you.
god bless all touched by the loss of this good man's life.

Bob Lonsberry
WHAM radio, Rochester NY

April 17, 2021

Officer Dunston,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 20, 2020

Hello everyone my name is Detective Angel Lujan Community Affairs officer at PSA 5. I was hoping this site could help me out. I am currently planning the 40th year Remembrance Ceremony of our brother Police Officer James Dunston. I wanted to see if anyone can help me get photos of him on or off duty. Also if family of James or co workers that worked with him I would love to hear from you. My email is [email protected]

Detective Angel Lujan
NYPD
PSA #5

October 28, 2020

The anger and sadness I feel today is indescribable. One of the men that were convicted of murdering my father will be let out on parole. He will be given a second chance at life. I don't understand why or how this is even possible. A police officer was murdered, a man working to uphold the law and provide for his family was killed. He was a good man, father, husband, and friend to many. So many people loved him. My heart is broken! There has to be something done to stop this. My father did not get to see his children grow up. He didn't get to meet his grandchildren. He never got to live in the home he was in the process of purchasing when his life was stolen from him. What kind of justice is this? The men that killed my father should spend the rest of their lives in prison for what they have taken from us. My father was 34 years old. We can't just let this happen he is not here to fight for himself. We need to speak up for him.

Christine Dunston
Your daugher

July 27, 2020

Never forget him.iam 54 now I was 12 years old when I ran upto see what had happen .shocked and disbelief. I only knew him by his foot patrol.he always chatted with the kids great man.215 east 102nd st.every year I glance his face.my first time seeing a dead body.and it was someone i admired.....
REST IN PEACE SIR..

SGT COLON usmc
USMC

December 8, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Dunston.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 24, 2019

Hi just want say that met james
When he was 4 yrs old. My uncle James lee Dunston was his father. I see he grew up to be
Wonderful and loving young man. So sorry for what happen to him. His family is welcome to write to me any time I can tell u about the family.Essie Byrd 2089 Calle Navidad Sfe N M
87505

Essie Byrd
Cousin

April 13, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

November 20, 2018

God Bless you Officer. Not only did you serve your country, you returned to protect the city and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy brother.

Det. Garrett.K. Gorton (ret)
NYPD

November 20, 2018

I remember this.i lived in that building and remember seeing the officer down.So long ago but I always remember him.I did not know him but the shock of seeing him will always remain.R.I.P...

Colon
Friend

October 19, 2018

Miss you pop!

Derrick

July 9, 2018

Officer Dunston, it is now 37 years since your brutal murder and as is evident by the reflections left by family and friends, you are missed as much today as you were then and still loved as much.

It's heartwarming to read the reflections and to know, no matter how much time as passed, they still somehow feel the warmth and love you shared, the humor, the compassion, everything that made you special.

God Bless you. I know he's blessed all who know you. I used the present tense because, you are still truly with them all.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

November 20, 2017

I miss u so much. Happy Birthday Dad! I'll never forget. See you when I get there.

Love u always!

Christine Dunston
Your daugher

October 2, 2017

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

November 20, 2016

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your ID Card Photo and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

December 15, 2015

I'm retired out of The Housing Bureau.About 2 weeks ago I stopped by PSA 5 on East 123rd St on business.I saw the Memorial display to PO Dunston opposite the Front desk.It is quite beautiful , yet sad.Soon it will be joined by another memorial to PO Randolph Holder. I did not know PO Dunston but I took the time to reflect on his sacrifice and loss to his Family. Fidelis Ad Mortem. Rest in Peace.

PO Matthew T Donnelly retd
NYPD Housing Bureau

November 21, 2015

Today is a day of tremendous loss, sadness, and rage. 35 years ago today my father was shot and killed and our lives would never be the same. I will never forget the genuine, unconditional love u showed me. I miss u so much dad! Not a day goes by that I don't think about u and what u would be like today. I wish u were here! :-(

Christine Dunston
daughter

November 20, 2015

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Dunston and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

November 19, 2015

I remember Jimmy Dunston as a colorful and playful character, always in good cheer. In 1978 Chief Ben Ward decided to make PSA's, and the department began holding roll calls. Jimmy would shout almost at the top of lungs "Here Boss," it was a good laugh to begin the tour. I was just a police officer with 5 years of service and everyone looked up to Duck. Jimmy as fearless and respected, so the cops in PSA # 5 began calling him "Super Duck." It was a honor to know him. In 1995, when I became the Commanding Officer of PSA 5, sometimes I attended roll call and I wished I could hear Jimmy's booming voice, "Here Boss." Jimmy loved his wife and children and he spoke lovingly of them all the time. I am honored to have known Super Duck, honored to have served beside him and I am especially honored he was my friend. Rest in Peace.

Captain Floyd C. Berry
NYCHA & NYPD

November 4, 2015

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