Patrolman Francis Walsh, New York City Police Department, New York

Patrolman Francis Walsh

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Monday, September 4, 1961

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Francis Walsh

Patrolman Francis Walsh was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a man who was robbing a food market.

Patrolman Walsh and his partner were walking their beat on Eighth Avenue, between 135th and 136th Streets, in Manhattan, when they observed a man threatening a clerk inside a food market. Patrolman Walsh told his partner to wait outside and entered the market. As he entered, the suspect turned and fired five shots, striking Patrolman Walsh three times.

Patrolman Walsh staggered out of the market and fell to the ground. The suspect ran out of the store and fired at Patrolman Walsh's partner. His partner returned fire and pursued the suspect into a subway station, where he was able to apprehend him.

Patrolman Walsh was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he died from his wounds.

The suspect pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years in prison, where he died in 1981.

Patrolman Walsh had served with the New York City Police Department for four years and was assigned to the 32nd Precinct. He is survived by his parents and brothers.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 4 years
Badge 22349

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to 50 years in prison

arrest attempt, robbery

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I never had a big brother, Poochie Walch was the best substitute! I am the oldest son of Arthur Treanor, his partner. My dad and Matty Morgan used to call him poochie. I never knew where that nickname came from but when we talked, he told me to call him Frank.

As an 11-year-old kid who had just moved out of the Bronx and to Rockland County, I had lost all my friends. A ride to the 32nd, to pick up Dad’s paycheck, and rides to Matty Morgan’s house in Shrub Oak chances to see my hero, Frank.

He taught me the birds and bees when he showed me the development of tadpoles to frogs, in the pond across the street; how to dive headfirst into water; a to keep my left up (valuable in my Navy days.) I’ve never forgotten, “My Older Brother.” May you find peace in God’s company.

I’m 75 now but I will never forget my real friend and Angel. I recently digitized some family movies and there is Frank and I sitting at a picinic table in Matty’s backyard. I cried. My youngest siter was an infant in that film. She was born July 11th 1961, just two months before he went to Heaven. I would be glad to share that film with any of his family members.

John J Treanor
Oldest Son of Arthur Treanor

September 3, 2025