Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

I think of Joe often. I worked with him in the 90 Pct in Williamsburg Brooklyn. I was a raw rookie in March of 1973 when ten other rookies and I were assigned to the 90.
I recall a couple of older guys who would look after us kids. Joe was one. After a couple years I took a permanent foot post in Joe's sector, "Boy, Charlie". He was ALWAYS there to back up, help, advise, anything. He and his partner, Joe S. we're great cops. They could spot a stolen car ten blocks away, and could sniff out a burglar in the middle of the night like no one else.
They saved other cops lives. Literally firing upon felons with weapons aimed at our NYPD brothers.
I became Joe's PBA delegate in time (I know he supported me!).
And was with him in the 90 Community Affairs Office when that job came over.
He recently transferred to ESU. He was MADE for ESU. Because he as the best of us.
But he was in Brooklyn for a court case and stopped by the 90. We had coffee and when the job came over I said"fk that" stay here with us for old times sake.
But Joe, you know Joe, said, "I gotta get up there for my guys".
The rest is, tragically, history.
Clearly Joe is with our God having earned his reward. Forty years later his family and friend still grieve, and remember his dedication, his fearlessness, his love of the job.
Here's to my friend, a mentor, Joe Mac. RIP. We never forget.
Ever.

Sgt Jim Littlefield
NYPD, former 90 Pct PBA Delegate

May 29, 2024

Rest in peace Officer McCormack.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 29, 2022

38 years , I am at a loss for words , as I take off my uniform for the last 18 years and get to return home safe. In the back of my mind knowing my uncle joe could not return home to our family. I would like to think we have all had him watching over us making sure we got home safe to our families. R.I.P uncle Joe.

Po.Raffaele
NYPD, NEPHEW

September 29, 2021

Rest in peace my brother, thanks for what you did for me.

Det. 2nd Grade Ret.
NYPD

September 30, 2020

Rest In Peace always and know that your service and sacrifice are always remembered.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 29, 2020

Coats of Blue
Inspired to protect and serve ,
they first wore the rookie grey.
Sworn in , given a silver shield ,
nationalities melted away.
They were brothers and sisters now
in coats of blue ,
a gun , a nightstick tools of the trade.
The streets would teach them
Things they never knew,
the tortured child, the beaten spouse
scenes of other vicious crime .
Every moment of each new day,
they were there,
a vital part of the Thin Blue Line .
Too soon these heroes were called away
by the cruelty of the street.
Their families and friends left with only
the memories so bittersweet !
And in the closet hangs the coat of blue,
as empty now as the lives of the loved ones
of these honored few.
Written by Susan J. McCormack
To honor those fallen heroes of
Law Enforcement
My beloved Joe
Blessings on your 75th birthday
Feb.13, 2018
Died in line of duty September 29, 1983
Feast day of St. Michael the Archangel

Susan McCormack
Survivors of the Shield NYPD

February 8, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

September 29, 2017

The family of Joe McCormack wishes to extend our gratitude for all who have written and will write their thoughts on this site.
Joe' s 2 sons are NYPD ESU officers, his daughter is a pediatric nurse. He has six grandchildren : Katie,Megan,Tristan , Alexa, Adeline and Robert.
They all miss his love.

Susan McCormack. Spouse
Survivors of the Shield

May 5, 2016

I knew Joe well we responded to many calls together on the border of the 90 and 83 pct. Joe taught me lessons and backed me up on many calls - because he could. His and Joe Taylors shields are displayed in the NYPD museum (old 1st pct) and I pointed them out to my grandchildren and told them of the men that wore them. Joe is missed and remembered often.

Police Offcer Ray Klotz
083pct Retired

January 11, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary year of your death.

Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

August 10, 2013

29 years. Not forgotten.

RIP Joe

TPF/SCU
NYPD

September 29, 2012

Although I have never met you, let it be known that your legacy is alive and strong at the 90th Precinct. Your service at the 90th Precinct for almost 15 years, as well as your reputation as being a "cops cop" will never be forgotten. May god continue to bless you and your family. RIP...

Deputy Inspector Michael Kemper
Commanding Officer, 90th Precinct

January 12, 2012

I was new at the 90 pct. I was on foot patrol when I got cornered by a crowd. I called a 10-13 and the first face I saw, was Patrolman Mccormick. I will never forget his red face pushing trough the crowd.

I am still a Police Officer in the city Opa-Locka P.D., and I still talk about Joe, how he came to my aid without caring about his own safety. It seems like it was yesterday and that was 1969, only 42 years ago.

I will always have him in my heart. God Bless You Joe.

Ptl. Anthony Tabbita S#27684 90Pct
Opa-Locka P.D. Florida

November 30, 2011

God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

Lieutenant
NYPD

September 29, 2010

Another year has slipped by. You are missed. May God watch over your son and the rest of your family.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 29, 2010

Joe & I go back when the 90Pct & 87Pct merged. On the morning of Sept.29 1983 Joe and I were having breakfast together before going to court on an old 90 case. We talked about Hunting. And seeing each other for diner in Nov. before the hunt.
Joe was the BEST of the BEST. Always willing to help. Had a great heart & great smile on the face. I think of you often.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Jim Scaturro OCTF ret.

SGT, JIM SCATURRO
NYPD

March 25, 2010

Rest in Peace , Joe. You will never be forgotten.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 29, 2009

God Bless You Sir, Thank You For Your Service.

Trooper
Virginia State Police

January 13, 2009

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 2, 2008

JUST A FEW WORDS TO RE-ENFORCE SOMETHING PEOPLE ALREADY KNOW. I WORKED WITH JOE WHEN HE WAS ON PATROL IN THE 90 PRECINCT. HE ALWAYS CAME UP TO THE DETECTIVE SQUAD ROOM, WITH THAT SMILE ON HIS FACE AND ASKED "WHO WERE WE LOOKING FOR". HEW WENT OUT ARMED WITH A PHOTO AND ALWAYS BROUGHT HOME THE BACON (BAD GUYS) HE WAS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL AND ONE OF THE FINEST. I STILL THINK OF HIM UNTIL THIS DAY. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE JOE, GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE

July 18, 2007

Fallen but never forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

September 28, 2006

Joe was a good friend and a Cops, Cop. I know he loved his family much.

Chief Mark Saks (Ret. NYPD & VA)
Dept. of Vetrans Affairs

April 7, 2006

The D'Allara family - on earth and in heaven - remembers your sacrafice.

October 1, 2005

God Bless Officer McCormack and his family. Hero Officers should never be forgotten.

McTague
NYPD ESS8

September 30, 2005