Full Breakdown
Father and Son NYPD Officers Survive Gunfire Thanks to Bulletproof Vests
3/1/2026, 2:35:40 AM
Core Event: A Legacy of Survival in the NYPD
Andrew Yurkiw and his father, Paul Yurkiw, both serving as officers in the New York Police Department (NYPD), experienced life-threatening situations while on duty, yet both were saved by their bulletproof vests nearly three decades apart. Paul Yurkiw, who joined the NYPD in 1982, was shot in 1989 while responding to what he believed was a disabled vehicle. His son, Andrew, who joined the force in 2012, faced a similar fate in 2016 while working in an Anti-Crime Unit in Brooklyn.
Historical Context: The Incidents
On June 21, 1989, Paul Yurkiw was shot three times at close range with a .38-caliber revolver while assisting a motorist. The bullets ricocheted off his vest, which he had worn for warmth during a late shift. The assailant, Shawn Boyd, was later convicted of attempted murder and served 30 years before being paroled in 2020.
Fast forward to February 20, 2016, Andrew Yurkiw was involved in a shots-fired incident in Bedford-Stuyvesant. A gunman pointed a firearm at his patrol car, prompting a gunfight. Although Andrew felt he had been shot, he later discovered that his bulletproof vest had protected him from serious injury, with blood coming from a deep cut caused by the impact rather than a bullet wound.
Emotional Impact on the Family
The experiences of both father and son have left a profound emotional impact on their family. Paul Yurkiw expressed deep concern when he received the call about his son's shooting, fearing for his safety. “I thought maybe he was struck with the car,” he recalled, visibly emotional. Andrew, reflecting on the situation, acknowledged the toll it took on his mother, who had to endure the fear of losing her son just as she had with her husband years earlier.
Official Statements & Responses
In recounting their experiences, both Yurkiws emphasized the importance of their bulletproof vests. Andrew Yurkiw remarked, “I didn’t think it would ever happen to me, because lightning never strikes twice in the same spot.” His father humorously noted that wearing the vest provided him with unexpected warmth during his shift, which ultimately saved his life.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Yurkiws' stories highlight the protective benefits of bulletproof vests, there are ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of such equipment in high-risk situations. Critics argue that reliance on vests may create a false sense of security among officers, potentially leading to riskier behavior in the line of duty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t think it would ever happen to me, because lightning never strikes twice in the same spot,” — Andrew Yurkiw, NYPD Sergeant
- “I got the phone call when they were taking him to hospital in the ambulance, and I thought maybe he was struck with the car,” — Paul Yurkiw, Retired NYPD Detective
The stories of Paul and Andrew Yurkiw serve as a testament to the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the critical role that protective gear plays in their safety.
