Police Officer John Diamond

Police Officer John Diamond

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Tuesday, October 15, 1918

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John Diamond

Police Officer John Diamond died as a result of complications of influenza while in the performance of his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

Due to the devastation of the Influenza Epidemic, Philadelphia Police districts were used as makeshift hospitals. Police officers were ordered to fill and deliver prescriptions, act as pallbearers of victims, placard homes, collect bodies of victims out of their homes, assist doctors and health officers, and make sure establishments were closed and following guidelines to stop the spread of the flu.

Police Officer Diamond served with the Philadelphia Police Department for ten and a half years and was assigned to the 16th Police District. He was survived by his wife and six children.


Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement

From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Spanish Flu memorial listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour 10 years, 5 months
  • Badge 1612

Incident Details

  • Cause Duty related illness
  • Incident Date Saturday, October 12, 1918

Spanish Influenza, communicable disease

Most Recent Reflection

View all 2 Reflections

Officer Diamond,
On today, the 106th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 15, 2024

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