New York Pays Tribute to Fallen Hero William McAuliffe with Street Dedication
In a heartfelt ceremony last month, the city of New York honored the memory of fallen hero William McAuliffe by dedicating a street in his name. Descendants of McAuliffe, originally from Meelin, Ireland, gathered on Second Avenue 67th Street to witness the unveiling of the new street sign, officially renaming it as Patrolman William McAuliffe Way.
The commemorative event held great significance as it took place near the exact location where William, a member of the New York Police Department, was tragically shot by an unknown assailant on the night of March 18th, 1916. McAuliffe’s family members, including those from Cork, New Hampshire, and Canada, were overcome with joy to witness this lasting tribute to their heroic ancestor.
Among the attendees was William’s grandniece, who fondly reminisced about her ancestor, recalling an old photograph displayed in an antique frame at her home. The emotions were palpable as Patrick Hendry, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the long-overdue recognition of McAuliffe’s sacrifice. Patrick hailed William as a true hero who had paved the way for generations of dedicated law enforcement officers.
Following the naming ceremony, an additional celebration was organized at the East 67th St. Precinct. Detective Bridie O’Reilly, an immigrant from County Sligo, Ireland, played a significant role in assisting Detective Nuccio in spreading awareness about the event and coordinating various aspects of the ceremony. Detective O’Reilly described the occasion as a beautiful tribute to William McAuliffe’s memory.
Born on December 9th, 1879, in Knockacummer, Meelin, William McAuliffe immigrated to the United States in 1902. After a week-long voyage aboard the SS Teutonic, he arrived at Ellis Island, where he would begin his new life. Four of the seven McAuliffe siblings chose to build their futures in New York City. Three of them, including William, found their final resting place in a family plot in Woodside.
Following several years of various occupations, William joined the New York Police Department in 1910 and was stationed at 153 East 67th Street, just a short distance from his residence. Tragically, on March 18th, 1916, while patrolling the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 67th, William was shot and succumbed to his injuries. Even after a century, the motive behind his murder has remained a mystery, and no one has ever been charged in connection with the crime.
Today, William McAuliffe rests alongside his sister Ellen, his brother Daniel, his Aunt Kate Twomey, and cousins Ellen McAuliffe and Mary Donnelly at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. The dedication of Patrolman William McAuliffe Way ensures that his name and his sacrifice will never be forgotten, serving as a constant reminder of the bravery and dedication exhibited by the men and women of the New York Police Department.
The renaming of the street pays homage to all law enforcement officials who have selflessly protected their communities, paving the way for a safer future. The legacy of William McAuliffe serves as an inspiration to those who continue to put their lives on the line in service of justice.
