Department History

Philip S. McDonald

historical rome police department badge

E.O.W. 12-15-1920

Rome, N.Y. Police Officer Philip S. McDonald was killed in the line of duty on December 15, 1920. Officer McDonald and other Rome Police Officers attempted to apprehend a burglary suspect and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit entered the Village of Herkimer where Officer McDonald's vehicle was able to pass the suspects truck. Officer McDonald exited his vehicle and drew his service revolver as the suspect's truck approached. The suspect jumped from his moving truck and the driverless truck then struck and killed Officer McDonald. The suspect was apprehended, convicted and sent to prison.

philip s. mcdonald killed in action

Contact information

301 N. James Street
Rome, NY 13440

Phone: (315) 339-7780

Rome Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative

Comments regarding the Rome Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative should be submitted to policereform@romepd.com

Keep Your Valuables Safe

Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers and the Rome City Police Department are asking for people to share information on the whereabouts of this week's Wanted Person of the Week.

Police are looking for 60-year-old Alexander R. Wilson on an arrest warrant for Grand Larceny.  According to Rome City Police Captain Kevin James, the charges stem from an incident that occurred in December of 2022 where Wilson allegedly stole approximately $1,165 worth of merchandise from the Grand Union located in Rome. James said that Wilson has had other run-ins with police.