New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Thursday, September 29, 1983
Add to My HeroesJoseph 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 36 ReflectionsI 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
