Deputy Joseph J. Wachowiak, Erie County Sheriff's Office, New York

Deputy Joseph J. Wachowiak

Erie County Sheriff's Office, New York

End of Watch Thursday, November 4, 1948

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Joseph J. Wachowiak

Deputy Joseph Wachowiak succumbed to head injuries after being struck on the head during a jail escape involving five inmates at the Erie County Jail in Buffalo.

At 9:00 p.m., when the inmates were being locked in their cells for the night, a prisoner grabbed a hidden mop handle, beat Deputy Wachowiak, and locked him in a jail cell. He rallied four other prisoners to escape with him.

All five were captured. The 31-year-old leader was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He died in Dannemora Prison on November 1, 1954.

Deputy Wachowiak was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Incident Date Wednesday, November 3, 1948
Weapon Blunt object
Offender Sentenced to life

correctional Facility, escape

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Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Wachowiak,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Erie County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 4, 2023