George Vincent McLaughlin

George Vincent McLaughlin (May 20, 1887 – December 7, 1967) was President of the Brooklyn Trust Company; New York City Police Commissioner; State Superintendent of Banks; and Vice Chairman of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

Background Information

He served as the New York City Police Commissioner from January 1, 1926 to April 12, 1927. In 1929 he bought a duplex apartment at No. 35 Prospect Park West in Brooklyn. George brought Walter O'Malley into the financial arrangements for Ebbets Field in 1940 as president of the Brooklyn Trust Company. In 1947 he was awarded an honorary degree from Fordham University. He was a delegate to the 1952 Democratic National Convention for the 17th District. McLaughlin was a member of Robert Moses's Triborough authority.

Time magazine wrote on August 23, 1926:

Last week Detective John Singer of Manhattan arrested a buck Negro for stealing a car, bought him some sandwiches and coffee, took him to Police Headquarters. It was hot. Officer Singer removed his coat, sat down to fill out the prisoner's pedigree card. Suddenly Negro Pierce snatched a revolver from Officer Singer's hip pocket, shot him three times to the death, escaped. One Kuku, a witness, was the only other person in the room. Later Murderer Pierce was captured in the Bowery after a taxicab chase. He told the police: "I shot the detective; I'm sorry." Manhattanites were shocked. John Singer was the sixth police-man to be killed on duty since January 1, 1926; eleven others had been shot, merely wounded. Police Commissioner George V. McLaughlin emitted a soothing statement: "We are getting all the bad breaks so far. The police are making splendid arrests, but the luck is against them."

He died on December 7, 1967.

References

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* New York Times; December 8, 1967; George McLaughlin, Banker, 80, Dies; Tried to Stamp Out Gambling. George V. McLaughlin, former City Police Commissioner, State Superintendent of Banks and vice chairman of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, died of a heart attack yesterday in his apartment at 610 Park Avenue. He was 80 years old and maintained an office at 630 Fifth Avenue and a summer home in Old Forge.