Name : Mercer, Maitland 

Rank: Ptl.
Shield #: 15815 Command: 076 Pct.
Date of Death: 1965-07-31   Cause of Death: Shot-Arrest Off Duty
     
 Patrolman Mercer was shot and killed while attempting to make an arrest while off duty. Officer Mercer had entered a bar in his old neighborhood and the bartender informed him another patrol was claiming to be an FBI agent. Patrolman Mercer waited for another off-duty Patrolman, whom he was meeting at the bar, to arrive before taking action. When the other Patrolman arrived, Patrolman Mercer lead the suspect to a storage alcove in the bar to question him. When Patrolman Mercer turned away for a moment, the suspect drew a .22-caliber pistol from his waist band and fired at Patrolman Mercer, striking him in the back. Patrolman Mercer fell to the ground and the suspect fired again, striking Patrolman Mercer in the chest.

When the suspect attempted to flee from the bar, he was shot twice by the other off-duty Patrolman who was in the bar. The suspect fled into the street, with the Patrolman in pursuit. The Patrolman fired four more times, killing the suspect.

Patrolman Mercer was removed to Maimonides Hospital where he died about an hour later from his wounds.

Patrolman Mercer was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

Patrolman Mercer was appointed to the New York City Police Department October 1, 1952. He was 44 years old.  
 
     
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Comments from Friends    
     
Rest in peace brother.
— JOM
launch 13 named after po mercer is now owned and operated by the Met Art Leagug ny doing good things now called big g
— james chambers
rest in peace.
— sjs
Posted: November 3, 2006, 10:48 am

 

 

Those who bloom in the hearts of others never fade away