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

Add to My Heroes

Joseph P. McCormack

Officer Joseph 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 New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the Emergency Service Unit. He was survived by his wife and three children. His son joined the New York City Police Department in 1999.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 15 years
Badge 27434

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Shot and killed

domestic, EDP

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 36 Reflections

I was with Joe on September 29th 1993. We faced a man with a shotgun and followed orders from above. We withheld our fire as attempts were made to communicate with him. To this day I question those orders. Joe held his position as did I. When the individual fired at Joe, I returned fire in violation of those orders. To this day I wish I had done something earlier and if I did Joe would be with us today.

Dave Schultheis retired lieutenant ESU
Worked with Joe

November 17, 2024