Corrections Sergeant Edward T. Cunningham

Corrections Sergeant Edward T. Cunningham | New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York
New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York
Corrections Sergeant Edward T. Cunningham

New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York

End of Watch Monday, September 13, 1971

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Edward T. Cunningham

Corrections Sergeant Edward Cunningham died from injuries sustained in a prison riot at Attica Prison. Six other correctional officers were also killed during the riot.

The leader of the riot was never charged with any crime. After his release from prison, he shot and killed Police Officer Norman R. Cerullo and Police Officer Christie D. Masone of the New York City Police Department on April 2, 1978, on a Brooklyn Street.

Sergeant Cunningham was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, having fought in the Pacific theater. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and various other medals.

Sergeant Cunningham had served with the New York State Department of Correctional Services for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and seven sons. Four of his sons and two of his grandsons followed him in this line of work.

Bio

  • Age 52
  • Tour 22 years
  • Badge 5
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
  • Offender Never charged

prison riot, prisoner custody

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Sgt. Cunningham,
50 years after your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific fighting the Japanese during WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 25, 2021

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