NYPD Captain Richard McHale Way
circa 1930
Source

NYPD Captain Richard McHale (1877-1935) was a member of the New York 69th Volunteer Infantry, Company A and a veteran of the Spanish-American War. He was a recipient of the New York City Police Department’s Medal of Honor and the Commanding Officer of the 109th Precinct in Flushing, Queens.

Captain McHale was shot and killed by one of his own officers, Patrolman Walter Miller. Miller had previously been suspended by Captain McHale for being drunk on duty and had just been given his gun back. As the captain signed the police blotter for night duty, Miller loaded his service revolver nearby. He followed Captain McHale into his office, reportedly saying, "Captain, you've caused me an awful lot of trouble!" before fatally shooting him in the chest. Another patrolman immediately shot and killed Miller. Captain McHale died before the ambulance arrived.

On October 28, crowds of citizens, civic groups, and police officers attended Captain McHale's funeral services in Whitestone. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, Queens

Sources:

"Committee Report of the Infrastructure Division," The Council of the City of New York, December 19, 2024

"'Candle Burglar’ Hit Queens - In October 1935," Queens Gazette, October 2, 2022

"Capt Richard Mchale," Find A Grave, accessed May 19, 2025

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino and Bayside Historical Society Instagram