Patrolman James M. Considine

Syracuse Police Department

Date of Death: April 10, 1954

At approximately 7:30 P.M. on April 7, 1954, Patrolman James M. Considine was directing traffic at the scene of a rubbish fire on Hiawatha Boulevard between Pulaski and Van Rensselaer Streets. In a cloud of heavy smoke from the fire, he was struck and critically injured by a sedan speeding westbound on Hiawatha Boulevard. Instead of stopping to help, the driver accelerated and fled the scene. Patrolman Considine was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital by a Syracuse Fire Department Rescue Squad that was already on scene. At the same time, police began searching for the hit‑and‑run driver. A tip eventually led officers to the Keg Bar at 928 North Salina Street. Patrolmen Joseph Giacobbe, William Sullivan, and James Stapleton apprehended 28‑year‑old Peter Pitcher there and charged him in connection with striking Considine and leaving the scene. Patrolman Considine died of his injuries at 11:30 A.M. on April 10, 1954.