New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Wednesday, September 14, 1904
Add to My HeroesJames D. O'Connell
Doorman James O'Connell died from injuries sustained in a gas explosion at the Atlantic Avenue Police Station.
Doorman O'Connell was on-duty at the Atlantic Avenue Police Station when he smelled gas. Doorman O'Connell went into the basement to investigate. While in the basement, he lit a match to locate the leak. As he searched for the leak, there was an explosion. Doorman O'Connell was severely burned. He was taken to Saint Mary's Hospital, where he died four days later from his injuries.
Doorman O'Connell served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years. Doorman O'Connell was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted as a Corporal in the First Massachusetts Cavalry in July 1962. He served as an orderly to General Meade at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the Civil War ended, he moved to NEw York City with his family.
Doorman O'Connell was survived by his wife, two daughters, and son.
The precinct Doorman, a uniform NYPD rank below that of Patrolman, was a combination turnkey/custodian – he was responsible for the upkeep of the stationhouse, guarding and transporting prisoners, shoveling coal, and taking out the ashes. They would also make sure the Patrolmen were awake after reserve duty. The rank was abolished on April 16, 1912.
Bio
- Age 64
- Tour 15 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Explosion
- Incident Date Saturday, September 10, 1904
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1 Reflections“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
December 30, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: December 29, 2022

Corporal Ray Charles Hamilton
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 24, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Corey D. McElroy
Garrett County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: December 21, 2022

Detective Paul Daniel Newell
Benton County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: December 17, 2022

Chief of Police Joe Carey
Brodnax Police Department, VA
EOW: December 16, 2022