New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Add to My HeroesWilliam Rivera
Police Officer William Rivera died as a result of injuries he sustained when he fell 20 feet from a fire escape while pursuing a burglary suspect.
Officer Rivera and his partner responded to a report of a ringing burglar alarm at 200 3rd Street, Brooklyn. When they arrived, they observed an open door and a suspect fleeing to the roof. Officer Rivera and his partner proceeded to the roof of the building, and while chasing the suspect on the rooftop, Officer Rivera lost his footing while on a fire escape and fell at least 20 feet to the ground. He suffered multiple injuries, including injuries to his back and legs and needed several surgeries.
Officer Rivera suffered a massive seizure while recovering from an operation to repair one of his injuries. He was taken to Wyckoff Hospital where he died.
The burglary suspect escaped and has not been apprehended or identified.
Officer Rivera was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department’s Medal of Honor for his actions.
Officer Rivera had served with the New York City Police Department for 12 years and was assigned to the 78th Precinct. He is survived by his daughter and fiancée.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 12 years
- Badge 13282
Incident Details
- Cause Fall
- Incident Date Saturday, October 2, 2004
Most Recent Reflection
View all 196 ReflectionsRIP MY BROTHER
RET DET JIM NEENAN
NYPD
November 24, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Eddie Mays
Bernie Police Department, MO
EOW: June 5, 2025

Police Officer Gabriel Facio
Apache Junction Police Department, AZ
EOW: June 8, 2025

Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: June 5, 2025

Sergeant J. D. White
Angleton Police Department, TX
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros
Bloomfield Police Department, NM
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Samuel Riveros
Baldwin Park Police Department, CA
EOW: May 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Weston Sherrer
Morrow County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025