Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Patrolman McMail.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 15, 2024

Patrolman McMail,
It has been over 100 years and you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 16, 2022

99 years have passed and reading the below lists , you are not forgotten . The full story is in a post below and amazing the courage you ans others had . I pray your legacy lives in with family recollections . Rest In Peace ! Hero

Ret. Po ohara
Nypd mounted

March 15, 2021

Rest easy in heaven

Mark Mottola

March 15, 2020

I had the distinct fortune to meet the grandson of Samuel Cohen. Sam was the private security guard who chased Rabasovich, exchanged gunfire and shot Rabasovich. The grandson (who is now 76 years old) wears a gold medal that was presented to his grandfather by the city of New York. I am a retired police officer. I will now include Officer McMail and Samuel Cohen in my prayers

Daniel Apostolico
Ossining, New York police

December 10, 2019

My grandmother was Elizabeth McMail. John H. McMail was her uncle. Her grandfather Thomas had two children – Christian (her father) and John (her uncle).

Two of my sons are considering a career in law enforcement and were deeply touched to learn about their great, great uncle.

Below is an account of John H. McMail’s murder based upon official court records:

John H. McMail was murdered by Anthony Rabasovich on March 15, 1922, at approximately 2:00 p.m., on Osbourne Street in Brooklyn, New York.

Officer McMail was shot and killed coming to the aid of Annie Moyzivick.
Ms. Moyzivick was robbed in front of her apartment by Anthony Rabasovich and Casey Ivananhoff. They reportedly took $270.00, and she was struck and knocked down in the process. Ms. Moyzivick knew both men.

Officer McMail became aware of the crime and ran to the scene. He observed both men walking across from him on Osbourne Street. Officer McMail stepped into the street and ran toward Rabasovich with his arms outstretched. Rabasovich also stepped into the street, and shot Officer McMail once in the forehead with a 45-caliber pistol, when the two were approximately eight feet apart. Officer McMail died immediately.

Rabasovich fled the scene and was followed by citizen pursuers. Rabasovich turned the corner onto Sutter Ave, and then onto Rockaway Ave, and entered a stone monument yard.

Samuel Cohen, who was a night watchman, saw what had occurred and chased after Rabasovich. When Sam Cohen arrived at the stone monument yard he saw Rabasovich holding his pursers at bay with a pistol. Sam Cohen drew his gun and they exchanged gunfire. Rabasovich fired three times but was shot in the neck and immobilized.

A search of Rabasovich revealed the 45-caliber pistol, three smaller caliber pistols, ammunition, a blackjack, a hunting knife, and a pair of handcuffs.

During the trial Rabasovich claimed he had no recollection of what had occurred because he was intoxicated by liquor provided by Annie Moyzivick. He also testified that he had weapons in his possession because he intended to intimidate Moyzivick’s husband’s business rivals.

Rabasovich was convicted of first-degree murder on June 29, 1922. His appeal was denied and he was executed at Sing Sing prison on March 2, 1923.

Daniel P. Gregory, Esq.
Great Nephew

October 7, 2018

I will always be extremely proud of my great grandfather, John, H. McMail, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the people of New York City. I have always been proud to have his 1922 Medal of Valor from the NYC Police Department passed down to me from his wife to his daughter, and now to me.

Christopher J. Gobler
Great-grandson

June 7, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 90th anniversary 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 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 Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 15, 2012

I wish I could have known you. Your two daughters grew into beautiful young women who missed you so very much. Your wife, Frieda, my grand-mother loved you dearly and missed you every day. She never remarried.

Patti
grand-daughter

May 24, 2011

John-
89 years later you are not forgotten.
RIP

TPF/SCU

March 15, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 15, 2010

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

November 5, 2009

ALTHOUGH THE YEARS HAVE PAST, YOUR HEROIC ACTIONS THAT TOOK PLACE EIGHTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. YOU MADE OUR DEPARTMENT WHAT IT STANDS FOR TODAY. YOU ARE THE "FINEST OF THE FINEST". MAY GOD CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 15, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Patrolman McMail and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

March 9, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 16, 2008

Patrolman McMail,
On today, the 86th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. It took another year, but your murderer finally got the justice that he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 15, 2008

Patrolman McMail, you are a true hero to the people, community and nation that you served. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgoten. We will carry on for you, rest in peace my brother.

Sgt. E. Chaves
Broward County Sheriff Fla

January 5, 2006