Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Friday, March 5, 1976
Add to My HeroesJames E. Griffin
Officer James Griffin succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier when he was shot inside of the 5th District station house.
A suspect had been arrested for stealing plywood from a construction site earlier in the day. Officer Griffin and his partner were sent in the paddy wagon to transport the suspect to the detective division. As they took custody of the prisoner, the man was able to gain control of the other officer's service weapon and shot Officer Griffin in the leg. Officer Griffin was then shot again in the side after falling to the floor.
The 31-year-old suspect was shot twice and seriously wounded by the duty sergeant as he attempted to flee the building. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Griffin had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 11 years
- Badge 2484
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Wednesday, March 3, 1976
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsThank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
March 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Eddie Mays
Bernie Police Department, MO
EOW: June 5, 2025

Police Officer Gabriel Facio
Apache Junction Police Department, AZ
EOW: June 8, 2025

Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: June 5, 2025

Sergeant J. D. White
Angleton Police Department, TX
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros
Bloomfield Police Department, NM
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Samuel Riveros
Baldwin Park Police Department, CA
EOW: May 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Weston Sherrer
Morrow County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025