Police Officer John A. Patwell, New York City Police Department, New York

Police Officer John A. Patwell

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Sunday, June 15, 1980

Add to My Heroes

John A. Patwell

Police Officer John Patwell succumbed to injuries sustained when he struck his head while entering his patrol car.

He was entering his patrol car at the corner of East Tremont Avenue and Purdy Street, the Bronx when he struck the right side of his head on the car. Officer Patwell was admitted to St. Francis hospital the following day and died 15 days later from the injury.

Officer Patwell had served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the 43rd Precinct. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 15 years
Badge 12098

Incident Details

Cause Accidental
Incident Date Sunday, June 1, 1980

patrol

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 17 Reflections

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 15, 2025