Police Officer Joseph P. McCormack, New York City Police Department, New York

Police Officer Joseph P. McCormack

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Thursday, September 29, 1983

Joseph P. McCormack

Officer McCormack was shot and killed by an emotionally disturbed suspect who had barricaded himself in a house after he was not allowed to see his young son. When police officers arrived at the scene they discovered the suspect had a shotgun. As they attempted to talk the suspect out of the house, the suspect exited through the rear door and fired the shotgun. The shot struck Officer McCormack in an area under his armpit that was not protected by his vest. Other officers returned fire, killing the suspect.

Officer McCormack had served with the agency for 15 years and was assigned to the Emergency Service Unit. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 15 years
Badge 27434

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

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Coats of Blue
Inspired to protect and serve ,
they first wore the rookie grey.
Sworn in , given a silver shield ,
nationalities melted away.
They were brothers and sisters now
in coats of blue ,
a gun , a nightstick tools of the trade.
The streets would teach them
Things they never knew,
the tortured child, the beaten spouse
scenes of other vicious crime .
Every moment of each new day,
they were there,
a vital part of the Thin Blue Line .
Too soon these heroes were called away
by the cruelty of the street.
Their families and friends left with only
the memories so bittersweet !
And in the closet hangs the coat of blue,
as empty now as the lives of the loved ones
of these honored few.
Written by Susan J. McCormack
To honor those fallen heroes of
Law Enforcement
My beloved Joe
Blessings on your 75th birthday
Feb.13, 2018
Died in line of duty September 29, 1983
Feast day of St. Michael the Archangel