Police Officer Seraphin Calabrese, New York City Transit Police Department, New York

Police Officer Seraphin Calabrese

New York City Transit Police Department, New York

End of Watch Sunday, February 24, 1980

Seraphin Calabrese

Police Officer Seraphin Calabrese was shot and killed with his own weapon while attempting to arrest a fare evader at the Columbus Circle subway station. The suspect immediately grabbed Officer Calabrese's gun and shot him. Another nearby transit officer apprehended the suspect.

The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He has a parole hearing in October, 2016.

Officer Irving Smith was shot and killed five days later while attempting to take action during a robbery of a bar. He and several other officers went to the bar following the funeral of Officer Calabrese.

Officer Calabrese was assigned to Transit District 1. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and step-daughter.

Bio

Age 34
Tour Not available
Badge 3123

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

Subway

Most Recent Reflection

View all 24 Reflections

Sammy Calabrese was my good friend, partner, and a fine police officer. Not one single day goes by that I do not think of him. We had dinner together on Thursday night before he was killed on Tuesday. I also think of the dirtbag who killed him. He deserved to die but at the least, he needs to rot in jail.

Rest In Peace, my brother.

Sgt. Richie Pra (Ret.)
NYTPD, District 1

February 28, 2018