On a Monday morning in November 1978, a brave off-duty detective named Horace Ford, a 39-year-old male, tragically lost his life in a violent bank robbery in Queens, New York. He was working a secondary job at the Manufacturers Hanover Bank located at 41-01 Kissena Boulevard when the incident unfolded.
A man, later identified as 29-year-old David Robinson, entered the bank and announced a holdup.
Without hesitation, Detective Ford drew his weapon and identified himself as a police officer. The robber immediately opened fire, striking Detective Ford. Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Ford heroically returned fire, shooting and killing the suspect. The gunman fled the bank but succumbed to his injuries in the street outside.
Detective Ford was rushed to Booth Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery but ultimately succumbed to his wounds several hours later. A 12-year veteran of the NYPD, he was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit and had a distinguished career with over 200 arrests and numerous commendations for his bravery. Detective Ford was survived by his wife and daughter. For his incredible courage, he was posthumously awarded the NYPD's Medal of Honor.
