In Memoriam

Yonkers Police Officer Dennis McElroy joined the department on December 1, 1909. He was assigned to both foot patrol and as a fill-in on mounted duty. On October 25, 1916. Ptl. McElroy had just finished roll call for the midnight tour. He and others were to be delivered to their posts by horse and wagon. A short distance from the precinct, after climbing down from the patrol wagon, Ptl. Dennis McElroy was struck by a vehicle and killed. He was 40 years old and left behind his wife and small daughter. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Matthews was appointed to the department on March 1, 1913. Ptl. Matthews was assigned to mounted patrol in the more rural areas of Yonkers. On October 17, 1916, Ptl. Matthews, while in the courthouse for an arraignment, was examining his Colt revolver. As often was the case in those days, he had been issued the gun without any training. Officers at that time were forbidden to carry their firearm in a holster. While he was placing the weapon back in his pocket, it accidentally discharged and struck Ptl. Matthews in the leg. In modern times, the wound probably would not have been fatal, but in 1916 penicillin had not yet been discovered. Ptl. Matthews died of infection twelve days later on October 29, 1916. He was 40 years old and left behind his wife and one child. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Edward J. Morrison was appointed to the department, on December 1, 1909. On June 7, 1918 PO Morrison was assigned to a foot post. He was on duty at the foot of Ashburton Avenue around 12 noon when he was approached by a boat captain from Long Island who asked PO Morrison to aid him in locating a particular barge in the river that he was to take command of. PO Morrison agreed and they both began checking all the barges tied up at the water's edge. At some point, in an effort to jump from one barge to another, Morrison miscalculated and plunged into the river. His cries for help resulted in a cable being tossed to him. However, he pulled so hard to get out of the water, that he pulled his would-be rescuer in the water with him. PO Morrison was in full uniform which included his police choker style blouse coat. When finally pulled from the water, Morrison had nearly drowned and was in serious condition from swallowing a significant amount of water. He was immediately transported to St. Johns Hospital by PO William Kruppenbacher, where Morrison was admitted. Morrison remained hospitalized in serious condition for 13 days. His condition did not improve and on June 20th he was transferred to the Municipal Hospital in Nepera Park. It was there that his health continued to fail. PO Edward Morrison died on July 8, 1918 at 5:45 AM without ever leaving the hospital. "Lest We Forget"

Daniel J. Shea was appointed to the police department on February 8, 1889. On July 9, 1913 Lt. Daniel Shea was home (58 Hawthorne Avenue) doing some light house work. While working around the house, a neighbor called over to him to let him know there were two suspicious men walking around 63 Hawthorne. Lt. Shea investigated and found no signs of break in. Moments later the suspects were seen fleeing the premises. Lt. Shea stopped one of the suspects to question him when said male pulled a revolver from his pocket and shot the Lt in his chest. The Lt. did give chase but did not catch the suspect. The Lt. was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital where the bullet was removed from his chest. The Lt. did survive. On April 3, 1926, nearly 13 years after the shooting Lt Shea had been admitted to the hospital. It was reported that the artery in the lieutenant's chest that was struck by the burglar's bullet years earlier was causing Shea his current medical problem and the doctors were trying to determine the best course of medical treatment. It would be of no help. On April 6, 1926 Lt. Daniel Shea died in St Joseph's Hospital at the age of 61 years. It was noted in a local paper that Lt. Daniel Shea died from complications from a shooting 13 years ago."Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Hudock was born in Austria on September 16, 1893 and many years later he came to the U.S. with his family. In April of 1914 at the age of 21, he enlisted in the U.S.Army. He excelled in his military service by rising to the rank of top Sergeant by the time he was discharged in June of 1920. He served in the 10th Regiment Infantry and for a while was a small-firearms instructor. On March 31, 1925, John was appointed a Yonkers Police Officer at the salary of $1800 a year, and was assigned to the Third Precinct. Less than three years later, on February 17, 1928. Ptl Hudock made an arrest of a female and needed transportation to the Precinct for booking. A patrol car came to assist. It was a 2-door coupe, with no back seat. The prisoner took the passenger seat, Hudock stood on one running board, while Ptl Sal Iannucci stood on the other. During the ride to the precinct at South Broadway and McLean Ave., Ptl Hudock lost his grip, and fell from the running board and fractured his skull. The P.B.A. had the best doctors available retained to treat John but to no avail. He died four days later in St. Joseph's Hospital. He was 35 years old and single. A resident of Clinton St., Ptl Hudock had been considered a good cop and was one of the best marksman with a revolver in the department. He was well known for his ability to speak English, Polish, Russian, Slavic and Hungarian. His loss was reflected in the large number of people who attended his funeral and by the special police escort led by eleven motorcycles."Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Michael Walsh was appointed to the department on March 15, 1925. In May of 1929, he was assigned to armored motorcycle duty. On December 23, 1929, Ptl Walsh and his partner were escorting an armored truck to a bank when his motorcycle was struck by a truck. He died in the hospital a short time later. Ptl Walsh was 27 years old and left behind his wife Margueritte and his six-month-old daughter Joan. "Lest We Forget"

The RKO Proctors Movie Theater was located at 45 South Broadway, at Prospect Street. It was a very active location then as it is today. It was February 23, 1934 and P.O. Pat Whalen badge 94, of our Motorcycle Squad had parked his "Indian" in Getty Square and was talking to a local resident.

An explosion in front of the theater came without warning and threw slabs of sidewalk into the air creating a massive hole in the sidewalk. An electrical transformer had shorted and blew up. Gloria D'Addio, a ten year old girl had fallen into the burning hole. Officer Whalen running up the street, saw the child in the hole, and immediately jumped in to rescue her. He handed the girl up to off-duty officers Ray Carozza and John F. Ryan. Within seconds later a second explosion occurred virtually incinerating Office Whalen, who was still in the hole. He died instantly.

At the next award ceremony, Officers Carozza and Ryan received awards for Honorable Mention. Officer Pat Whalen received nothing.

Fifty-one years later, in 1985, acting on the recommendation of then, Lt. George Rutledge, who advised Captain Albert McEvoy, chairman of the Honor Board, of the obvious oversight, Officer Whalen was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously at a department awards ceremony. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police OfficerErling was appointed to the department on December 1, 1916. Having a dislike for automobiles, Ptl Erling served with the mounted unit until 1930 when it was disbanded. On June 30, 1935, while directing traffic around a fallen tree, he was struck by a car and severely injured. The next day Ptl Erling died at the age of 49 years having never regained consciousness. He left behind his wife and two sons. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Quilty was appointed to the department on December 1, 1913. On October 8, 1936, at 2:00 a.m., Ptl Quilty and his partner discovered a hotel fire. As Quilty and his partner roused the tenants, his partner was overcome by smoke. Ptl Quilty, weighing only 150 pounds, carried his 220 pound partner from the building to safety. Although he knew he had strained himself, he was aware he had ruptured his appendix. One week later, on October 15, 1936 Ptl Quilty, who had been the treasurer for the P.B.A. for eleven years, died. He was 50 years old and left behind his wife and three children. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Kostik was appointed to the department on December 31, 1923. On April 17, 1938, Easter Sunday, Ptl Kostik and his partner Ptl Liptak, were sent to break up a dice game. While en route, Ptl Kostik lost control of his radio car and struck a telephone pole. This well-liked officer died instantly. He was 41 years old and left behind his wife and four children. His partner died the following day. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Liptak joined the department on September 6, 1930. Ptl Liptak was usually assigned to foot patrol, but due to another officer's illness, he was assigned to a radio car on April 17, 1938, Easter Sunday with Ptl Kostik. His partner lost control of their vehicle and struck a pole. Ptl Kostik died instantly, Ptl Liptak the following day, April 18, 1938. He was 31 years old and unmarried. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Cahill was appointed to the department on February 1, 1930. On January 21, 1940, while Ptl Cahill was on crossing duty at St. Joseph's Church on Ashburton Ave., he heard an explosion nearby. Fearing the worst, he ran to the building where he thought the explosion occurred. Upon attempting to descend a darkened flight of basement stairs, he lost his footing, falling to the concrete below. Two days later Ptl Cahill died as a result of his injuries. He was 35 years old and left behind his wife and seven-month-old daughter. "Lest We Forget"

Yonkers Police Officer Silinsky was appointed a police officer on December 1, 1954. Officer Silinsky was a 28-year veteran who had served in many assignments in the department.  He was very active in the P.B.A. for years and was very popular. On September 26, 1982 while off duty, Officer Silinsky foiled a robbery attempt and was shot in the head. Four days later on September 30, 1982, he died. Police Officer Silinsky was 58 years old and left behind a wife and three children. "Lest We Forget"

By Ret. Deputy Chief George Rutledge
After completing recruit training in 1964 I was assigned to the 3rd Pct. This is where I first met P.O. Harry Woods. Although Harry only had about a year on me, he seemed like an old salt. He was one of very few that would even bother talking to a rookie. That's how Harry was. No airs about him.

There were a lot of footposts then, and only the "hairbags" had steady radio car patrol. Harry was a fill-in on occasion and rode with the late Sgt. Joe Madden. And when roll call was real short, on rare occasions I would ride with Harry. Him and I seemed to have a lot in common. He was a real family man and rarely used profanity. He and his wife Dottie were inseparable love-birds.

As is common our careers moved in a different direction. Harry was called for the NYPD job. So he took a leave of absence from YPD and went on the NYPD. Within a year he resigned and was re-appointed to YPD. He told me, "they crazy down there (NYC), both the people and cops. It's much too dangerous."

In 1972 I was a desk Sgt. in the North command (4th Pct.) and Harry worked in the radio room dispatching. There were all Police dispatchers then. I enjoyed talking to Harry often on the hot-line. He was fourth on the current Sgt.'s list and waiting to be made.

It was Sept. 18, 1974 and Harry had driven down from his house in Peekskill to work the late tour. As was routine for Harry, about 10:30 pm he stopped in the A&P store at Nepperhan & Odell Ave. to pick up milk for the radio room. When he entered the store he knew something was wrong, and announced "what's the problem? I'm a police officer." At that point, a gun was pressed against his throat, was fired, and the bullet penetrated his neck, severing his spinal column. Seconds later the holdup team was gone, leaving Harry lying in his own pool of blood. Harry was in very critical condition and was placed on a respirator. Many officers and friends donated blood and visited Harry in the hospital.

Although everything possible was done for Harry, on Sept. 22, 1974 he died. Harry was only 34 years old, he left his wife Dottie and 3 young sons. Harry was a fine officer and a gentleman and will always be remembered....................."Lest We Forget"

APPOINTED: March 1, 1913
DIED: November 15, 1919
‍
‍Charles Louis Wicht was born in Yonkers on July 1, 1886 in the Nodine Hill section of this city.  He attended public school # 7 on Walnut Street and was the 2nd youngest of a family of eight children.  As a young man Wicht was gainfully employed as a plumber and was an active member of the Dayspring Presbyterian Church.

Known to all who knew him as Lou, Wicht applied for the job of police officer and received his appointment on March 1, 1913 at the age of  26 years.  His first assignment was working out of the 1st precinct on foot and bicycle patrol.  It was reported that after approximately 3 years Lou Wicht was transferred to the 4th precinct.  It was there he was assigned to motorcycle patrol.

On November 9, 1918 and while on duty, Wicht was chasing a speeder on his motorcycle when he was thrown from his motorcycle up against a telephone pole.  He sustained a broken collar bone, two broken ribs and severe internal injuries which required his confinement to the hospital for three weeks.

At this point it might be of interest to know a little about young Lou Wicht before he became a police officer.  Prior to joining the police department, Charles Louis Wicht was recognized as one of the best athletes in the City of Yonkers.  He was reportedly a very versatile athlete and starred particularly in track and field events alike.  Even though he was very good at sports he was  really only interested in the exercise he was getting and not any potential medals.  Nevertheless, between the years 1908 and 1912, Wicht won 20 medals.  He participated under the colors of the Dayspring Athletic Club, which was one of the city church leagues.  It was from this organization that he gained substantial fame and notoriety.  

In 1908 he began his collection of trophy’s by capturing 1st prize in the Dayspring A.C. shot-put meet.  He did this despite his slight build, as compared to the typical burly and robust shot-putters.  In the same year he won all around honors in the Kings Sons meet.  In the two years that followed, his medals increased in number.  In 1909 Wicht won medals for the running high jump, relay race, standing broad jump and the 440 yard run.  He also captured the point prize for all around prowess in the Yonkers Daily News meet.  Seven more medals were won by Lou Wicht in 1910.  He took 1st place in the Kuha vs. Opal meet competing in the standing broad jump in September of that year.  In the same meet he also won 1st place in the shot-put.

The city’s Athletic Carnival was the occasion for more victories on the part of Wicht in 1910.  He was a member of the team that won the mile relay race.  He won the running high jump, the baseball throw, placed 2nd in the Hop-Step-and jump, and won an individual prize for point scoring.  He only went into competition once in 1911, winning 1st place in a city meet in his old specialty, the shot put.  Lou Wicht was also very active in baseball and basketball.  In baseball he excelled in the position of catcher, and in basketball he could always be counted on to get the tap and hit the basket when on the court. In 1912 Wicht came into prominence once again by winning the shot-put, the 880 yard run, and being a member of the winning Dayspring team in the L.C.A.L. games.

It was shortly after this meet that Charles Louis Wicht joined the police department on March 1, 1913 and basically retired from further athletic competitions. As was mentioned earlier, following Wicht’s appointment and later his assignment to ride a motorcycle, he was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident chasing a speeder.  He spent several weeks in the hospital.  Following the accident, his spirit and determination pulled him through a very painful period; but he had run his last race.  Though he seemed to recover from his injuries and returned to work, later that year he would become ill.  His family was convinced that the injuries sustained in the motorcycle accident were the cause of his illness.  Ultimately PO Charles Lou Wicht died on November 15, 1919 at 8 pm in his home at 23 Van Cortland Park Avenue at the age of 33 years.  Less than a year following his accident. Did his earlier injuries ultimately cause his death?

PO Wicht was survived by his wife, 3 daughters, and 5 brothers; two of which were Yonkers firefighters.  Wicht was a member of the Dayspring Presbyterian Church and it’s athletic club, and he was a member of the Yonkers Lodge of Odd Fellows.  His daughter Dorothy, who kept all her father’s medals and trophies in a family display case, was a small child when her father died.  However she did have memory of her father’s face all scratched and bloody.  She also remembered the funeral procession to the church which was accomplished in a horse drawn coach. She also related that when Christmas came that year the PBA delivered gifts to her family. Dorothy received a white sweater she had wanted. (Sounds like treatment for a Line of Duty.)

Although Wicht’s  family, as well as the Police Association (PBA), believed that he died from injuries in the line of duty, there were no “official” records found indicating this. Although his death certificate lists his cause of death as diabetic coma, was that accurate? Considering the low degree of medical knowledge in 1919 it may have been only an assumption. After all, even penicillin had yet to be discovered.This classification should be reconsidered. Without a doubt, the community had not only lost a fine young police officer, but one of the best all-around athletes ever produced in Yonkers.

APPOINTED: Nov 2, 1990
‍RETIRED: Feb 22, 2013
‍
Stanley Kasper was born in the City of Yonkers on July 11, 1958. He attended local Elementary Schools and graduated from Lincoln High School in June of 1977. He reportedly was a star athlete. One look at his size and you can see that makes sense. He must have enjoyed working on cars because on his YPD application he listed his previous employment as an auto mechanic. Later we would all learn he was much more than just "an auto mechanic."

I guess he got restless in civilian life because in May of 1985 he joined the United States Marine Corps receiving his training at the renowned Parris Island Training facility, commonly known as boot camp. He served three years and was released from active duty in April of 1988 and later received his Honorable Discharge from the USMC. I don't know about his original MOS, (military occupational specialty,) other than every Marine is a Rifleman, but I know he served several years as a Marine Military Police Officer both in the states and in Okinawa.  Stan was appointed to the Yonkers Police Department of November 2, 1990 along with a group of others. Upon his graduation from recruit training, on March 11, 1991 he was assigned to the 3rd precinct on uniform patrol.  Later that year in July he was reassigned to the 1st pct.

It was a year later, in July of 1992 that Stan was assigned to the Emergency Services Unit. Stan was trained in all the specialty training required for this assignment, as well as being a certified firearms armorer but, previously being an auto mechanic, Stan was utilized often as the ESU maintenance officer.

According to Ret Lt Gary Hanley, Stan worked hard on accomplishing his dream of serving in the Emergency Service Unit. He did make the cut and was a valued street ESU man for several years.

However, at one point Lt Hanley said, Stan became ill with a hereditary blood disorder and moved into the ESU office where he found his true calling, working on all the gear and weaponry. He was a master craftsman who could fix anything and proved it every day. It was in this capacity of handling and cleaning all the dust covered equipment brought back from "The Pile" to ESU that Stan was exposed to 9/11 toxins as he worked cleaning the equipment.  

After nearly 23 years of honorable service PO Stanley Kasper retired from the YPD on February 22, 2013. Unfortunately Stan developed medical problems that weren't going to go away. He dealt with it for a long time all the time maintaining a positive attitude. But toward the end he was losing his battle and, incredible as it sounds, he had accepted the inevitable.

Regrettably Ret PO Stan Kasper passed away early in the morning on June 9, 2021 in his home. He was 63. His birthday would have been two days later. A proud US Marine and Yonkers Police ESU officer.   LT Hanley related he leaves behind his wife Grace, son Shaun, daughter Melissa and several grandchildren. Rest in peace "BUMF"

Arrangements: Unknown at this time

--

MY Personal comment: I first met Stan when we were both assigned to Special Operations in the early 1990's. ESU was decentralized into the precincts at the time, riding in old radio cars with minimal equipment in the trunk to do what was needed of the them. With approval of the DC we centralized ESU into SOD and their capabilities and professional status has grown ever since. Stanley was part of that hard fought transformation into the highly respected unit that it is today. In particular when it came to the upkeep of the equipment they used.      

Stan was an imposing figure who stood about 6' 5" tall, about 230 Lbs. A massive Eagle Globe & Anchor tattoo on his upper left arm proclaimed to the world what he was; a proud tough Marine. He was a bear of a man in size and yet..... a polite, respectful, soft spoken gentleman......that is.....if circumstances allowed. But he took no nonsense. I found him to have a natural respect for officers, a sure trait of a Marine, and an easy going friendly personality which endeared him to his fellow officers. Just a great guy and a good friend. His loss is tragic.      

Fair winds and following seas my friend. Semper Fi.   Fidelis Ad Mortem!

APPOINTED: August 12, 1998
‍DIED: December 1, 2022
‍
SGT FRANK D. GUALDINO was born August 8, 1969 and was appointed to the NYC Transit Police in 1994, which merged the following year with the NYPD. He was appointed to the Yonkers Police department on August 12, 1998 and following recruit training was assigned to the 3rd precinct.

After a short detail in Traffic Court Frank was assigned to the 4th precinct on patrol. Frank was promoted to Sergeant on Sept 26, 2019 and was assigned to the Traffic Unit as a supervisor.

Sgt Gualdino was recently recognized in a letter of appreciation sent to Yonkers Police by the son of a former Westchester County Department of Corrections officer, whose funeral procession was accompanied by officers from the department. On Thursday, Oct. 27, during the funeral procession, the man's nephew became unconscious, according to the letter that Yonkers Police shared in a post. According to the letter, Sgt. Frank Gualdino of Yonkers Police quickly responded, provided aid to the boy, and rushed him to the hospital in his police cruiser. Other Yonkers Police officers then comforted the widow of the deceased corrections officer, who had "fainted from the entire ordeal," according to the letter. After first aid was provided, Yonkers Police officers then continued to escort the procession to the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, the letter said."Your officers provided aid when it was needed and showed compassion to my family on a very difficult day," the letter said. According to the letter, Gualdino also visited the boy at the hospital after the funeral was over.

On Dec 1, 2022 Sergeant Frank Gualdino was killed in a vehicle crash on Tuckahoe Road at 3:30 pm. He was driving westbound when an oncoming vehicle lost control and collided with his unmarked vehicle and a transit bus. Sergeant Gualdino was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The bus driver and passengers were treated for minor injuries.

The 16-year-old unlicensed driver who caused the crash was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Sergeant Gualdino had served with the Yonkers Police Department for 24 years and was due to retire in August 2023. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. The Sergeant was posthumously designated a Detective Sergeant by Comm. Sapienza.


OBITUARY  FRANK D. GUALDINO
AUGUST 8, 1969 – DECEMBER 1, 2022  IN THE CARE OF
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home      
Frank D. Gualdino, age 53, of Mahopac, New York passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022.

A visitation for Frank will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. A funeral will occur Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703. A final disposition is private will occur.

Comment by a co-worker and good friend, Dan Treacy.

Frank, Can’t believe your gone from this Earth. In a blink of an eye so many lives changed forever. Either driver on the road 15 seconds sooner or 15 seconds later maybe the outcome would have been different for Frank. It’s difficult for anyone to really understand why this had to happen. This is when we have rely on our faith to get us through, What else do we have, and live our lives like they our last days. To live our lives like Det. Sgt. Frank Gualdino. I’ll cherish our times working together especially in the 3rd precinct. Frank always had our backs and helped me out a few times as the 1st cop on scene when I needed it. I remember fighting alone on my foot post on South Broadway with a suspect who was about 6’7” on the floor of Rays pizza. It was so bad the pizzeria owner dialed 911, hit the hold up button and grabbed a personal shotgun he had behind the counter in fear the perp was grabbing for my holstered weapon as we tussled on the floor. 1st cop through the door was Frank with nightstick in hand and I remember watching it as it came crashing down towards me and the perp and making sure i wasn’t going to be in the way. After Bing Bang Boom, Frank and I and maybe one or two other were eventually able to cuff him. He still didn’t want to go and we had to carry the Perp to the radio car. I remember the job Frank was at on Maple St., terrible job; boyfriend stabbed and killed the wife and three children, two of the children died, wit the living one playing dead. The boyfriend stabbed himself and tried to blame an intruder. Boyfriend didn’t realize the one child was alive and would eventually provide an account of what really happened. Tough job for Frank and anyone else at that scene. I remember all the outings and the one or two trips together with others to far away lands like Myrtle Beach SC. I can’t believe your gone. Some cultures have a celebration when someone passes to celebrate their life lived and show gratitude for the joy they gave to us. Others like ours mourn.Frank, I can’t believe you're gone. Rest in Peace.

Appointed: January 15, 1988
Date of Incident: September 11, 2011
End of Watch: November 22, 2014
‍
Police Officer Anthony Maggiore died as the result of a cancer he developed while assisting in recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

He was one of 15 officers from the Yonkers Police Department's Emergency Services Unit who responded to the site.

Officer Maggiore had served with the Yonkers Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Appointed: August 12, 1998
Date of Incident: September 11, 2011
End of Watch: September 10, 2015
‍
Lieutenant Roy McLaughlin passed away as the result of cancer which he developed following his assignment to aid in the search and recover efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attack.

‍Lieutenant McLaughlin had served with the Yonkers Police Department for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, four children, parents, two brothers and 1 sister. All three of his siblings and his father also served with the Yonkers Police Department.

END OF WATCH: April 11, 2020

Detective William Sullivan died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in a presumed exposure while on duty.

Detective Sullivan had served with the Yonkers Police Department for 25 years and was assigned to the 4th Precinct. He had previously served as a park ranger with the Westchester County Police Department. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and siblings.