Deputy Keeper Bartholomew B. Purdy, New York City Department of Correction, New York

Deputy Keeper Bartholomew B. Purdy

New York City Department of Correction, New York

End of Watch Monday, March 29, 1875

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Bartholomew B. Purdy

Deputy Keeper Bartholomew Purdy suffered a fatal heart attack after responding to a fire that had intentionally been set by a female inmate inside her cell at the Harlem 5th District Prison.

The inmate had previously attempted to commit suicide by hanging and had been placed inside a secure cell as a result. She was somehow able to light a fire, which engulfed her cell and her clothing. As Keeper Purdy attempted to open the door he collapsed.

Another inmate used Keeper Purdy's keys to let himself out of the jail and he ran to the nearby police station to alert authorities.

Deputy Keeper Purdy was a U.S. Army veteran of the Civil War and had served as a deputy keeper at the prison for two years. He was survived by his wife and eight children.

Bio

Age 62
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack
Weapon Arson
Offender Not available

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Deputy Keeper Purdy,
On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the Union Army as a member of the 148th New York Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 29, 2025