Patrolman Lawrence Hennessey

Lawrence Hennessey

Patrolman Lawrence Hennessey died as a result of contracting influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

An outbreak occurred within the 74th Precinct. During that time, 17 officers became ill and were put on sick leave. Patrolman Hennessey and Patrolman Cornelius Cuttrell were both assigned to a booth inside the station when they both became severely ill.

Patrolman Hennessey had served with the New York City Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife.

Effects of the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic on Law Enforcement

Also known as "Spanish Flu" or "LaGrippe," the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 to early 1920, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. The effect of the influenza epidemic in the United States was so dire that the average life span in the U.S. fell by twelve years. The four waves of the flu began in March 1918 and ended in April 1920. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Influenza Pandemic will likely never be known. Still, ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission never to forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Influenza memorial, listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.