Sergeant Paul J. Tuozzolo

Sergeant Paul J. Tuozzolo

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Friday, November 4, 2016

Add to My Heroes

Paul J. Tuozzolo

Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo was shot and killed after he and another officer located a suspect who had just held his estranged wife and her family hostage for several hours.

At approximately 2:45 pm, the man broke into his estranged wife's home in the Bronx. The man told his estranged wife that he was planning to engage in a shootout with the police during the ordeal. He eventually fled in a vehicle after the victim was able to call 911. Sergeant Tuozzolo and other officers were canvassing the area for the vehicle when they located it at Bronx River Avenue and Noble Avenue.

Officers boxed the vehicle in. As Sergeant Tuozzolo and another sergeant exited their patrol cars, the subject opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun. Sergeant Tuozzolo was struck in the head and killed, and a second sergeant was struck in the leg. Before being hit in the head, Sergeant Tuozzolo yelled "gun," which the other officer credited with saving his life. Other officers at the scene returned fire, killing the suspect. The suspect had a lengthy criminal history and had been deported twice.

Sergeant Tuozzolo had served with the New York City Police Department for 19 years and was assigned to the 43rd Precinct. He is survived by his wife and two young sons.

Sergeant Tuozzolo was posthumously promoted to Sergeant Special Assignment. On June 16, 2017, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo Memorial Park was opened in Bayville on September 18, 2017. On July 11, 2018, Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo Spray Park opened in Huntington. As of 2024, it is the only spray park in the United States dedicated to an agency and fallen law enforcement officer.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour 19 years
  • Badge 870

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

domestic, hostage, illegal alien, suicide by cop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 276 Reflections

Thinking of you Sarge, and thanking God that He blessed us with men like you. Prayers always for your amazing wife and your family. We will see you again boss ! THANK YOU. 43 Family Forever.

P.O. Erica De Filippo
Former NYPD 43 Pct.

November 4, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.