Officer John William Wyckoff

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department
New York, NY

Date of Death: May 2, 2012

Age: 57
Years of Service: 21
Duty Status: Retired
Veteran: Yes

Retired Officer Wyckoff died by suicide on May 2, 2012. John served as an MTA officer for 21 years before retiring due to injury from an on the job car accident.

Born in Chester, NY, John moved with his family to Kings Park, NY where he graduated high school. He served in the military and was honorably discharged to care for his mom and young brother at the passing of his father.

In 1981, John married Marie and they moved to Farmingville, NY. He started his career as a police officer in 1981; serving both as a uniformed officer and undercover in the department’s auto crime unit. John received many awards and accolades for his service; he developed and implemented a domestic abuse cell phone program and was instrumental in the arrest and conviction in a high-profile case.

He loved to camp, especially on the beach, as well as hunt and fish. He also loved being in the kitchen or in front of the BBQ and took great pride in his creations. John was known by his family, friends and coworkers for his huge selection of holiday cookies, cheesecakes and treats baked using his mother’s recipes.

On September 9, 2001 John was involved in a head on collision while working, forcing him to retire in 2002. John struggled every day with the physical pain from his accident, along with the side effects of long-term use of pain medication. In 2012 resources were slim, and John was a very proud man; his suffering became more than he could continue to endure.

John left behind his wife of 30 years, his son Bryan (26) and daughter Jackie (24). He never got to meet his grandson Colton John, who has his grandpa’s eyes. He is missed every day by his family and friends, many who walk in his memory each year at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk on Long Island NY. John left an imprint that will never be forgotten.