Officer John Scarangella (1940-1981) was one of five children born in Brooklyn to Italian immigrants. A graduate of the adjacent Lafayette High School, Scarangella was an avid participant in Police Athletic League programs as a child. In 1969, he joined the New York City Police Department, as did three of his siblings. He served in the 60th, 67th, and 113th Precincts and was awarded two commendations, two Meritorious Police Duty Citations and five Excellent Police Duty Awards.

Officer Scarangella was shot on May 1, 1981 when he and his partner stopped a van sought in connection with several burglaries. He died two weeks later. The suspects were later caught, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Both died in prison.