Erie County Sheriff's Office, New York
End of Watch Thursday, November 4, 1948
Add to My HeroesJoseph J. Wachowiak
Deputy Joseph Wachowiak succumbed to head injuries after being struck on the head during a jail escape involving five inmates at the Erie County Jail in Buffalo.
At 9:00 p.m., when the inmates were being locked in their cells for the night, a prisoner grabbed a hidden mop handle, beat Deputy Wachowiak, and locked him in a jail cell. He rallied four other prisoners to escape with him.
All five were captured. The 31-year-old leader was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He died in Dannemora Prison on November 1, 1954.
Deputy Wachowiak was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 49
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Wednesday, November 3, 1948
- Weapon Blunt object
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsDeputy Wachowiak,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Erie County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
November 4, 2023
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