Detective Troy Patterson Honored by Detectives Endowment Association After 33 Years in Vegetative State

On Monday, the Detectives Endowment Association announced the death of Detective Troy Patterson, who was shot in the head during a botched robbery in Brooklyn, New York on January 16, 1990. Patterson was off-duty at the time and had been washing his car when he was approached by three young men who demanded $20. One of the robbers, who was 15 years old, shot Patterson, resulting in a catastrophic injury that left him in a vegetative state for 33 years.

Paul DiGiacomo, President of the Detectives Endowment Association, said in a statement that Patterson had died on Saturday. “Detective Troy Patterson was a hero who was taken from us far too soon,” DiGiacomo said. “His courage and dedication to the people of New York City will never be forgotten.”

NYPD Assistant Chief Judith Harrison spoke at a vigil for Patterson last year, saying, “Troy was shot and severely injured in 1990 as he took police action when three criminals attempted to rob him while he was off-duty.”

Patterson was a decorated officer, having served in the NYPD for over 10 years. He was posthumously awarded the NYPD Combat Cross, the department’s second-highest honor, for his bravery in the line of duty.

The Detectives Endowment Association has asked for donations to the Troy Patterson Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers. The fund will be used to support the families of fallen officers.