The following street co-namings are cosponsored by Council Member Robert Holden, Newtown Historical Society and JPCA. Please join us as we honor the fallen.
Patrolman Joseph Norden
64 Street and Catalpa Avenue
Saturday, September 28, 11am
Patrolman Joseph Norden was shot and killed by an emotionally disturbed suspect whom he and his partner were escorting from an apartment on December 3, 1954. As they descended a staircase, the suspect suddenly grabbed Patrolman Norden’s service weapon and fatally shot him and an EMT who was assisting with the transfer. Patrolman Norden’s partner returned fire, killing the suspect. Patrolman Norden had served with the New York City Police Department for 5 years, and was assigned to the 104th Precinct. He was survived by his expectant wife and two children.
Patrolman Robert Rogerson
68 and Forest Avenues
Sunday, October 13, 12 noon
Police Officer Robert Rogerson succumbed to injuries sustained while inspecting a taxi cab on June 24th, 1974. During the inspection the taxi cab went out of control on 35th Street, near Astoria Boulevard, striking Officer Rogerson, dragging him 20 feet and pinning him against a utility pole. He was transported to a local hospital suffering from a fractured skull, two broken legs, and other internal injuries. He lapsed into a coma and remained unconscious until passing away. Officer Rogerson was assigned to the License Division and had served the NYPD for 29 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Detective Richard Arundell
62 Road and Woodhaven Blvd
Saturday, October 19, 12 noon
Detective Richard Arundell suffered a fatal heart attack after pursuing two suspects on February 9, 1963.
At about 11:00 p.m., Detective Arundell and his partner saw a car run a red light at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and 62nd Road. They attempted to stop the vehicle, and both occupants bailed out of the vehicle and took off on foot. His partner fired three warning shots and shouted for the two to stop. The Detectives were able to apprehend one of the suspects after a brief chase. After the chase, Detective Arundell felt pains in his chest. He was admitted to the hospital and died a short time later. Doctors attributed his death to the stress of the chase. Detective Arundell was a United States WWII Army veteran and served with the New York City Police Department for 11 years, assigned to the Detective Division. He was survived by his wife and four children.
Patrolman Joseph Rauchut
54 Road and 43 Street
Saturday, December 14, 12 noon
Patrolman Joseph Rauchut succumbed to injuries he received when he was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on the Kosciuszko Bridge in Queens on November 30, 1957. While Patrolman Rauchut was standing next to the vehicle issuing a summons, another vehicle struck his parked patrol car, forcing it into Patrolman Rauchut. He suffered head and internal injuries and passed away at Elmhurst General Hospital. Patrolman Rauchut was a United States Army WWII veteran, had been a Prisoner of War, and had served with the New York City Police Department for two years. He was assigned to Motorcycle Precinct 2, the present-day Highway 2. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.