Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Never forget our Heroes. My Dad worked with Michael. Both NYC Transit Police Officers assigned to District 1. My Dad came on in 1964, Michael in 1966. That morning, after being turned out from roll call, they both went to their posts together, and decided to grab a quick bite. After that they both parted ways heading to post. Minutes later, Michael was Killed in the Line of Duty.

Ret Det Jim Normile
Son of NYCTP Det Jim Normile

February 28, 2024

I stood next to Mike in our platoon at the training academy, he was always a fun gay . A sad story in hindsight , one day he forgot his service revolver and while sitting in a training class someone made a piece of paper into a triangle wrote GUN on it and slipped it into his holster. Fortunately none of the instructors caught on and Mike managed to race home at lunch break for his revolver. We all had many a good laugh with Mike about this and other mishaps though our training. I had moved on to the FDNY when Mike was killed , but was still a member the Pipe Bank for Mike’s funeral , a very sad day . Mostly I remember his smiling face and his wonderful family.

PO MARTIN MCTIGUE 3145
Retired Batt. Chief FDNY

October 25, 2020

Mike was my partner in in training class. We boxed together and did all sorts of training together. A great guy. Ted Newell retired transit patrolman 3179
Retired patrolman Theodore J. NEWELL 3179

Patrolman ret.

June 3, 2020

Did not know Mike,but know he's brother and District 01 brothers. what Mike did was true courage.A true hero. Now patrolling the gates of heaven under the supervision of Michael are archangel alone with the others Officers on patrol.

Lt. Edward King
N.Y Transit Police,N.Y.P.D.and the Disrict ONE POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 29, 2020

Patrolman Melchiona,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death 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

February 28, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

February 28, 2020

Woodside NYC Transit Cop Gunned Down 50-Years Ago To be Honored With St. Sebastian’s Church Service Friday

Posted on Feb. 24, 2020 Sunnyside Post

A memorial service is being held at St. Sebastian Church this Friday in honor of a fallen NYPD transit officer from Woodside who was gunned down on the streets of Manhattan 50 years ago.

Patrolman Michael Melchiona, a St. Sebastian School graduate who grew up at 53-13 Skillman Ave., was shot dead on the job on Feb. 28, 1970 while in pursuit of a gunman.

Melchiona was 29-years-old at the time of his death and left behind a wife, a two-year-old and a five-week old baby who had been baptized at St. Sebastian’s just days before his violent death.

Melchiona was on foot patrol on the day of the grisly event.

The shooting took place shortly after he encountered John H. Giragosian in the bathroom at the 50th Street station in Manhattan.

Giragosian was illegally smoking a cigarette in the bathroom and Melchiona approached him with the intention of issuing him a summons.

Melchiona asked the killer for identification.

Giragosian, a 45-year-old man with a criminal record including an arrest for armed robbery, responded by pointing a .22 caliber handgun at Melchiona’s head. The gunman then led Melchiona out of the restroom and forced him to lie down on the ground.

Giragosian then took Melchiona’s service weapon and ran away.

A frantic pursuit ensued in plain daylight on Seventh Avenue between 50th and 51st streets.

The killer jumped into a yellow cab and ordered the driver to drive. Patrolman Melchiona continued to chase after the suspect on foot. Dozens of officers would arrive on the scene and dozens of shots fired.

Giragosian fired shots out of the window of the cab and fatally shot Melchiona in the neck. The gunman was killed by another officer during a multi-bullet fusillade that also injured another cop, a cab driver, and a passerby.

Footage of the scene was captured at the time by an onlooker that has since been posted to Youtube.

Melchiona’s funeral was held at St. Sebastian’s Church just days later, where about 2,000 people attended, according to a New York Times article at the time.

He was posthumously awarded the NYPD’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor.

A plaque went up at the 50th Street station in 2018 in his honor and in October 2019 the NYPD Transit Bureau’s K9 Unit named a canine after him.

St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church will commemorate his death on Friday, Feb. 28, at 10:45 am.

After the memorial mass, a reception will take place at the Knights of Columbus George W. Hudson Council #3710 at 49-18 Queens Blvd.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

February 25, 2020

I will be attending a memorial service for Michael on February 28 2020 and joining his family to honor his memory and sacrifice he made to The city of New York.
Prayers to all our fallen brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the citizens of our Great Country.

Rich Von Voigt
Former NYC Transit Police Officer

Ret/Det Richard Von Voigt
Riverhead Police Department retired

February 4, 2020

On October 29, 2019 the NYPD Transit Bureau’s K9 Unit will be naming a canine in honor of Michael Melchiona at the Police Academy.

I am the former Commanding Officer of TD1 and have known Michael’s brother, Hank, over the years and let him know his brother will never be forgotten.

Inspector Raymond Porteus
NYPD Transit Bureau, C.O., Special Operations Division

October 24, 2019

I am an amateur photographer and filmed the tragedy on Feb 28, 1970. The shaky video recorded using the technology of the era, can be seen at https://youtu.be/B2obkslUNmk. I have posted it as a tribute to Ptl. Melchiona. My hope is that, by showing the actual event, it will give some idea of the bravery faced by Plt. Melchiona and the danger all law enforcement faces on a daily basis. RIP, Ptl. Melchiona - you have been in my thoughts for almost 50 years.

Harry M. Stuart

May 28, 2019

I just had the honor of attending a memorial mass for Michael this February. I met his brother Henry at the church.
Mike was taken tragically and suddenly from his family for nothing more than a subject who he wanted to issue a summons too.
Today the city of New York wants all cops to look the other way on minor infractions including fare beaters. That is a terrible dishonor to those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the city by doing their job.
Rest easy Michael you will never be forgotten .

Rich Von Voigt
Riverhead PD retired

April 3, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Melchiona.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2019

I was there. I was driving the taxi and behind the taxi that the bad guy got into. I was not a cop at the time. I saw the whole shooting incident go down. I wrote the story in my autobiography, "True Blue: A Tale of the Enemy Within. Google Joe Sanchez NYPD for my bio on Wikipedia, and Joe Sanchez Badge 3712. My website is: www.bluewallnypd.com God bless Mike Melchiona's soul.

-Joe

police officer
NYPD, NY& NJ Port Auth0rity cop and New York State corrections officer

August 27, 2016

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

February 28, 2014

I DID NOT KNOW PO MELCHIONA PERSONALLY. WHEN THE NOTICE OF HIS DEATH WENT PUBLIC A YOUNG LADY I KNEW IN THE PAST THOUGHT IT WAS ME BECAUSE, OF THE SIMILARITY OF OUR NAMES. I MET THIS WOMEN AGAIN YEARS LATER ON THE TRANSIT SYSTEM AND TO THE BOTH OF OUR SURPRISE WE FOUND EACH OTHER AGAIN. SHE IS MY WIFE NOW, AND, WE HAVE A LOVELY DAUGHTER WHO BECAME MY RETIREMENT PRESENT. RIP, MIKE. YOU PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK, I HOPE THEY APPRECIATE AND REMEMBER, AS WE IN THE NYCTPD DO, GOD BLESS.

PO PETER E. MALCHIODI-RETIRED
NYC TRANSIT POLICE DISTRICT 12

February 27, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Melchiona. Thank You for your honorable Transit Police Service. Condolences to the Melchiona family, may the peace that comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you always.

Sgt Michael Swikata - Retired
NYC Transit Police District 12

February 25, 2014

Members of Transit District One will be holding a moment of silence in memory and honor of Officer Michael Melchiona at the 50th St/Broadway subway station on February 28, 2014 at 0900 hours. All are welcome to attend. Hank Melchiona, Michael's brother and retired Transit Police Officer, will be present as well.

Deputy Inspector Raymond Porteus
NYPD

February 25, 2014

Uncle Mike, Gone but not never forgotten, I carry on the Law Enforcement Legacy for you and your brother Henry.
Love, Donald

Chief of Police
in NJ

May 24, 2013

Patrolman Melchiona,
On today, the 43rd anniversary of your death 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

February 28, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.
Continue to keep watch on all of us from your platform in the sky.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

September 13, 2012

Thanks for your four years of services.

David

February 28, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 28, 2012

My heart aches for your little ones and how much they must have missed having you in their lives.

Thank you.

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 28, 2011

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

You are never forgotten

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

February 28, 2009

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

Robyn Wilkes

February 26, 2009