Patrolman Daniel A. McAllister

Daniel A. McAllister

Patrolman Daniel McAllister died as a result of complications of influenza while in the performance of his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

He was assisting the victims of the pandemic when he started to feel ill at the end of his shift. Patrolman McAllister was unable to report to duty the next day and took a sick day to recover. His condition continued to worsen, and he developed pneumonia. He died due to complications at his home four days later.

Patrolman McAllister served with the New York City Police Department for five years and was attached to the Bedford Avenue Station. He was survived by his mother and siblings.

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.