New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Monday, December 30, 2013
Add to My HeroesLouis J. Balsamo
Police Officer Louis Balsamo died of injuries he received when he was shot 38 years earlier after responding to a report of shots being fired.
Officer Balsamo and his partner responded to a report of gunshots fired at 454 State Street in Brooklyn. Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Balsamo and his partner heard several shots being fired. The two officers entered 454 State Street and went to the roof. While on the roof, the officers were fired on by a gunman in an apartment in an adjoining building. Officer Balsamo was struck in the face, neck, and chest by the gunfire. The gunman continued to fire at responding officers for over an hour and a half before committing suicide as officers made entry into his apartment.
Officer Balsamo was taken to the hospital where he underwent surgery. Doctors removed many of the bullet fragments but were unable to remove some fragments lodged in his brain stem.
He was granted a line of duty retirement in 1980 and remained under care for complications from his wounds until his death on December 30th, 2013. His death was directly attributed to the brain stem injuries sustained when he was shot in 1975.
Officer Balsamo had served with the New York City Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the 84th Precinct. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 70
- Tour 11 years
- Badge 25139
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Friday, April 18, 1975
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsI worked with Louis at the 84 Pct. before he retired. He and his partner Danny Linton were lifetime partners. Now this holds oh so true, as Danny is also now in heaven. They were both memorable parts of my career with the NYPD.
Sharon Cesario
SPAA Former member of the 84 Pct.
January 1, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Correctional Officer I Robert Clark
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: October 1, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023