New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch Sunday, January 7, 1973
Add to My HeroesLouis Joseph Sirgo
Deputy Superintendent Louis Sirgo, Patrolman Philip Coleman, and Patrolman Paul Persigo were shot and killed by a sniper who had shot several civilians and set fire to a local hotel.
Superintendent Sirgo was shot as he led a team of officers up a dark stairwell to try to rescue two other officers who were trapped in an elevator. The suspect was hiding in the stairwell and opened fire on the officers. The suspect, who was a member of the Black Panthers, was shot and killed by police, who used a Marine Helicopter to fly over the hotel and fire at the suspect.
The suspect was also responsible for the murders of Cadet Alfred Harrell and Sergeant Edwin Hosli, who were shot in separate incidents eight days earlier. Officer Harrell was killed instantly, and Sergeant Hosli succumbed to his wounds on March 5, 1973.
Superindentent Sirgo was a United States Army WWII Army veteran and served with the New Orleans Police Department for 21 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana.
The Black Panthers is a racist, radical group that professed the murders of law enforcement officers. Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 21 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .44 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsDeputy Supt. Sirgo,
On today, the 50th 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 during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
January 7, 2023
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