New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins proudly inducted U.S. Army Sgt. Randy Jurgensen, of Dobbs Ferry, into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on Tuesday, May 27 in Albany. This induction honors Jurgensen’s extraordinary service to his country during the Korean War and his exceptional contributions to law enforcement, literature, and the film industry.
The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is an annual event that honors individuals from each State Senate District who have served our nation in uniform and continue to serve their communities across New York. Thursday’s induction ceremony took place at the State Capitol in Albany, where Jurgensen was celebrated alongside fellow veterans from across the state.
Randy’s advocacy on behalf of New York’s Korean War veterans was crucial to the establishment of Korean War Veterans Remembrance Day in Albany beginning in 2023, ensuring that the sacrifices of Korean War veterans are never forgotten.
Said Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins: “Randy Jurgensen’s induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is a well-deserved recognition of his unparalleled service and contributions. From his heroic actions in the Korean War, to his distinguished career in law enforcement and his influential work in the film industry, Randy’s legacy is one of courage, dedication, and excellence. His passionate voice on behalf of Korean War veterans which helped lead to our founding Korean War Veterans Remembrance Day, ensuring veterans of that conflict are properly honored throughout our great state. It is my privilege to induct him as the honoree for Senate District 35.”
Said 2025 Veterans Hall of Fame inductee Sgt. Randy Jurgensen: “I know this is a well-used term, but as I sat there amongst my fellow veterans who are considered heroes, we were thinking about the ones who didn’t make it home: they’re our true heroes. It was a real honor to be amongst my fellow veterans, and it was a very emotional event, which brings back so many memories for all of us. I truly thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, for working with me to recognize those who served and died in the Korean War by establishing the annual Korean War Veterans Remembrance Day in Albany, and for thinking of me this way with this honor today.”
Born in Harlem in 1933, Randy Jurgensen started his military career as a Paratrooper in the Korean War. He fought bravely in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill and earned three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his heroism. His helmet, a symbol of his bravery, is on display at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After the war, Jurgensen joined the NYPD in 1958 and became one of the department’s most respected homicide detectives. He led many important investigations, including the 1972 Harlem Mosque incident, where Officer Phil Cardillo was killed. Jurgensen’s 2006 book, Circle of Six, re-opened this case and kept Patrolman Cardillo’s memory alive.
Randy’s courage and dedication have earned him many awards, including the NYPD Combat Cross, the Medal of Valor from the Honor Legion, and the Isaac Bell Medal for Bravery. His work has greatly impacted law enforcement and public safety. Besides his police work, Jurgensen has contributed to over 50 films, including “The French Connection,” “Donnie Brasco,” and “Cruising.” His upcoming documentary, “Reel Cop,” will share his incredible life story.
