New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch Sunday, January 7, 1973
Add to My HeroesPhilip J. Coleman, Sr.
Patrolmen Philip Coleman, Paul Persigo, and Deputy Superintendent Louis Sirgo were shot and killed by a sniper who had shot several civilians and set fires at a local hotel.
Patrolman Coleman had driven his patrol car to a location where another person had been shot to try to rescue the man. He was shot as he stepped from his patrol car. The suspect, who was a member of the Black Panthers, was shot and killed by police, who used a Marine helicopter to fly over the hotel and fire at the suspect.
The suspect was also responsible for the murders of Cadet Alfred Harrell and Sergeant Edwin Hosli, who were shot in separate incidents eight days earlier. Cadet Harrell was killed instantly, and Sergeant Hosli succumbed to his wounds on March 5, 1973.
Patrolman Coleman had served with the New Orleans Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, son, and parents.
The Black Panthers is a racist, radical group that professed the murders of law enforcement officers. Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 1555
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .44 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsPhilip was my classmate in elementary school. We graduated together from O.L.S.H. He was the kindest to me of all in my class. Philip was tall and slim with the most wonderful smile, which displayed his chipped front tooth. I last saw Philip just a few years after high school when I was at a bus stop near Franklin Ave. and Gentilly Blvd. He greeted me with his charming smile; we chatted a bit, and he left. Throughout the years, I have treasured the signed school photo he gave me and will always remember him as I knew him, an exceptionally nice guy.
At the time of the shooting, my brother had just left the N.O.P.D. He was in the First District and knew Louis Sirgo and Ed Hosli. This tragedy happened after I graduated high school in 1966, and learned that my classmate Sheila was the daughter of Deputy Superintendant Louis Sirgo.
I’ve read that Sheila has died, and I hope that Philip Jr. is well and has a good life.
Marlene Bernard
Friend
July 28, 2024
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