Police Combat Cross — The Department's second highest award, is granted to members of the service who have successfully and intelligently performed an
act of extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat with an armed adversary
under circumstances of imminent personal hazard to life.  Since 1934, when
the award was first established, over 500 members, all of whom displayed
extraordinary bravery under the most perilous circumstances, have had the
honor bestowed upon them.  Posthumously

[NEW YORK, NY, AUGUST 8, 2024-] Since its inception in 1934, an estimated 200 NYPD officers have received the distinguished Police Combat Cross. Now in its 90th year, this prestigious honor will be bestowed upon Ret. homicide detective and co-author of Circle of SIx, Randy Jurgensen in a private ceremony on August 22nd at One Police Plaza.

“Randy and I have known each other our entire lives and he’s not one for awards, but this is a tremendous honor and he deserves it,” said Ret. FBI Special Agent Joe Pistone, better known as Donnie Brasco, portrayed by Johnny Depp in the movie of the same name.“The fact is Jurgensen is the genuine article. He stands among the best detectives in the NYPD.

”The Police Combat Cross is the second highest medal of the NYPD, awarded for extraordinary acts of heroism while engaging an armed adversary under circumstances of imminent personal hazard.  Fifty six years ago, Jurgensen's actions exemplified the definition of this award, as he brought justice to the two men who murdered Patrolman John E. Varecha.

Jurgensen was off duty October 7, 1968 at Arthur’s Club on East 53rd St between Lexington and 3rd, with his sister Betty and her husband Patrolman Joseph Corcoran when chaos ensued. From inside the club, people began screaming as Patrol Varecha was being assaulted outside.

Jurgensen didn't hesitate- he sprinted outside, gun drawn, and into a dark alley along the club’s facade. A gunshot briefly illuminated the alley, allowing Jurgensen to see Varecha staggering towards him.

To add to the mayhem, a second shot shattered a bank window across the street, setting off the alarm.

Jurgensen’s first priority was to his fellow officer, holding him as a lay bleeding to death in his arms. When Jurgensen spotted two armed men, his sister Betty took over, cradling and comforting Varecha in his final moments.

In plainclothes, without backup, and facing his own possible death, Jurgensen began the chase.He ran between parked cars when another shot rang out, knocking him to the ground and causing permanent hearing loss in his right ear. The ensuing fight was fierce as Jurgensen used his off duty gun to strike the suspect, causing the gun to jam and leaving it inoperable. Despite that, he subdued the suspect just as backup arrived. Jurgensen provided the description of the fleeing suspect who was apprehended a few blocks away.

Back at the scene, Jurgensen – refusing medical aid, deaf in one ear, bleeding, and covered in Patrolman Varecha’s blood – secured a key witness. Both felons were convicted in 1971 for a capital crime. It was the longest and most expensive trial at the time. However, the federal government struck down the use of the electric chair. This case became the bedrock for all future killings of police officers.

Patrolman John E. Varecha paid the ultimate sacrifice in 1968. Detective Randy Jurgensen’s actions that followed were heroic, selfless, courageous – and deemed worthy of the esteemed NYPD Police Combat Cross.   
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