Patrolman John McDermott, New York City Police Department, New York

Patrolman John McDermott

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, March 22, 1927

John McDermott

Patrolman John McDermott died of rabies he contracted when he was bitten by an injured dog he was trying to help.

Patrolman McDermott was on his post when a dog, dragging an injured leg, approached. The temperature that night was six degrees above zero, and the dog whined from cold and hunger. Patrolman McDermott opened the door of his police booth, and the dog entered. Patrolman McDermott began to pet the dog on his head when the dog suddenly snapped at him. The dog's teeth cut through the cloth of his uniform and left a small scratch on his arm.

Two months later, Patrolman McDermott began to feel pain and develop symptoms of rabies. He was taken to Kings County Hospital where he died.

Patrolman McDermott was assigned the 44th Precinct, which is the present day 75th Precinct.

Bio

Age 29
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Duty related illness
Incident Date Sunday, January 16, 1927

Most Recent Reflection

View all 13 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 85th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 22, 2012