Lieutenant Jan Brinkers

Lieutenant Jan Brinkers | New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
Lieutenant Jan Brinkers

New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York

End of Watch Monday, May 4, 1981

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Jan Brinkers

Lieutenant Jan Brinkers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three suspects who were robbing a tavern in the Bronx.

Lieutenant Brinkers, was off-duty at the time of the incident, was inside a tavern on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx when three men entered the bar and announced a robbery. Lieutenant Brinkers drew his weapon and identified himself as a Police Officer. One of the suspects opened fire, striking him in the chest. Lieutenant Brinkers was able to fire six shots at the suspects as they fled. Lieutenant Brinkers was taken to the hospital where he later died from his wounds.

All three suspects were later apprehended. Two were charged with murder. One was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.

Lieutenant Brinkers had been a member of the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 15 years and is survived by his wife. He also served in the United States Army Reserve 339th Military Intelligence Company. He was assigned to Police Service Area 8.

Bio

  • Age 42
  • Tour 15 years
  • Badge None

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Apprehended
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I can remember when I first met Sergeant Jan Brinkers. His shield number was 586 of the New York City Housing Authority Police Department. He was the Sergeant assigned to Williamsburg Housing Projects. He was extremely friendly with all of the tenants who lived in the Projects.
I remember him and Police Officers Richard Ott, McNeil, McClane, rane, Captain John Falon who was the Command Captain of the BROOKLYN RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICE COMMAND.
I remember when he was promoted to Lieutenant.
Of course back then I was just a kid. However our PROJECT threw him a Party in recognition for his valuable service to our community in the Ten Eyck Walk COMMUNITY CENTER. It was because of him I decided to join the UNITED STATES NAVY
I Think that it was a great mistake for Mayor Guiliani to COMPLETELY DISBAND THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MERGE THEM INTO THE NYPD.
Housing Police were unique because they were COMMUNITY ORIENTED and knew everyone who lived in the Projects and surrounding areas by their names.
I still remember that night when Jan Brinkers was killed.
May he REST IN PERPETUAL PEACE.
Signal 10-13 Police Officer shot what UNITS are responding K....

GEORGE MILLER
UNITED STATES NAVY RETIRED

June 16, 2021

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