As the Rochester Police Department celebrates 200 years of protecting the city, Spectrum News is remembering the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

The department was hit with tragedy in December 1888 when a second officer was killed in the line of duty. 

Officer William O'Neil arrested a man for neglecting to support his family. As the officer was taking the suspect to police headquarters, the suspect broke away.  O'Neil commanded a wagon to chase down and corner the suspect.

"The suspect said 'Don't, don't pursue me' and he pulled out a pistol and he said 'I'm gonna shoot you' and O'Neil said 'Don't shoot,' and he shot," retired Rochester Police Captain Lynde Johnston recalled.

In those days, doctors arrived on scene in a buggy much like the one on display at the Public Safety Building in downtown Rochester.

Surgeons first took O'Neil to a home on Adams Street and then to his home on Bronson Avenue, now known as Dr. Samuel McCree Way. Several doctors tried to remove the bullet, but O'Neil would not survive the wound.

The suspect, William Manley was declared insane and taken to an institution in Buffalo. A newspaper article described O'Neil as an efficient officer, especially in serving warrants.　

"The stories that are to be told is a lesson for officers to be careful, watch each others back," Johnston continued. "It's a dangerous assignment just by its nature."

O'Neil was appointed to night watch in 1870 and served 18 years on the force. He was married twice, had four children. His youngest child was 6-years-old at the time of his death.

"The funeral for Officer William O'Neil was held at his home and the burial mass at Immaculate Conception Church which is still standing in the Corn Hill Neighborhood," Johnston said.

Following his death, the Police Benevolence Association held a meeting to talk about proper police burials. A lack of transportation during that time period kept many people from attending funerals.　

"Now we have a funeral, they come from Canada, California from everywhere to pay their respects," said Johnston. "It's a respect of the brotherhood and paying the respect for their service to the community."　

A sign that hangs on Ford Street says Patrolman O'Neil died on December 29, 1888. However, newspaper articles have the Rochester Police officer's end of watch as December 30, 1888.