Patrolman Joseph A. Nolan, New York City Police Department, New York

Patrolman Joseph A. Nolan

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Wednesday, June 26, 1918

Joseph A. Nolan

Patrolman Joseph Nolan was killed when he was hit in the head with a brick thrown from the roof of a building.

Patrolman Nolan was walking his beat when he heard gunshots in the vicinity of West 39th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues in Manhattan. Patrolman Nolan stopped and questioned three men in front of 526 West 39th Street, and then released them.

While standing in front of the same location and talking with two other patrolmen about the shots he had heard, several bricks were thrown from the roof of the building. One of the bricks struck Patrolman Nolan in the head, killing him.

An investigation revealed that the brick was thrown from an apartment where a party was being held. Three men were arrested the following day. Two of them were charged with homicide while the tenant was charged with violating New York State's Sullivan Act after several weapons were found in his apartment.

Patrolman Nolan was assigned to the 22nd Precinct. His wife and infant daughter survived him.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 9 months
Badge 1526

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Blunt object; Brick
Offender Charged with murder

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you Mr. Jefferson for your kind words and rememberance of my grandfather, Joe Nolan, on the 100th anniversary of his death in the line of duty. We never knew him but he will always be remembered as the kind and loving husband my grandmother, Catherine Nolan, spoke about. My mother, Catherine (Nolan) Collins was just 16 months old when Joe was killed. There was a big hole in her heart throughout her life for never having known her Dad. They are all together again.

Joe, you will always be remembered by your grandchildren and your one and only great-grandchild, Kristina Wiig. Thank you for your service.

Catherine Collins
Grandaughter

June 26, 2018