End of Watch: April 14, 1941
Sing Sing State Prison – Ossining, New York

On April 14, 1941, the corrections profession lost a dedicated officer in an act of violence that still echoes through history. Eighty-five years later, we honor the life and sacrifice of Guard John Hartye and ensure that his service is never forgotten.

Guard Hartye served at Sing Sing State Prison in Ossining, New York—one of the most well-known correctional institutions in the country. At a time when correctional work received little public recognition, officers like Hartye stood on the front lines of safety and security, carrying out their duties in an environment that demanded constant vigilance.

On that day, three inmates armed with smuggled revolvers initiated a planned escape from the prison hospital. In the course of that attempt, Guard Hartye was shot and killed. The violence did not end there. As the offenders fled the facility, they encountered local law enforcement, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that also claimed the life of Ossining Police Officer James Fagan.

The escape attempt was ultimately unsuccessful. The offenders were apprehended, and justice was carried out through the courts. But the loss of Guard Hartye—and Officer Fagan—left a lasting impact on their communities and on the profession as a whole.

Though the details of Guard Hartye’s life and career are not fully preserved in record, his sacrifice is. His name endures among those who gave their lives in the line of duty, standing as a reminder of the risks correctional officers have always faced—long before modern safety protocols, technology, or recognition.

For generations, ceremonies and memorials have been held to honor Guard Hartye and Officer Fagan, ensuring that their service is remembered. These tributes speak not only to the events of that day but to the enduring respect held for those who serve behind the walls.

Guard Hartye’s story is also a reminder of a truth that remains unchanged: the work of correctional professionals is essential, often unseen, and inherently dangerous. The challenges faced by those in this profession are not new—they are part of a long legacy of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

At the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, we are committed to preserving that legacy. We honor those who came before, support those who serve today, and stand beside the families who carry the weight of loss.

Eighty-five years later, we remember Guard John Hartye.

We remember his service.
We remember his sacrifice.
And we reaffirm our commitment to always take care of our own.