Emergency 9-1-1
Do not use this website for emergency assistance. Dial 9-1-1
Memorial
Patrolman William Hurley
End of watch February 16, 1890
Patrolman Hurley was killed at 0434 hours on the Central Railroad about twenty feet below the East 22nd Street crossing. Patrolman Hurley was arresting a trespasser when a switch track was thrown and he was struck by a train. Patrolman Hurley was a married man 52 years old and a ten year veteran of the force.
Police Officer Thomas Hunter
End of Watch December 17,1920
At the above time while responding to Cottage Street and Hobart Avenue to transport a prisoner to headquarters, a police auto patrol collided with another vehicle at 26th Street and Broadway. The police vehicle was driven by Officer Frederick Whitney. Officer Thomas Hunter, who was sitting in the rear of the police vehicle, was thrown from the vehicle into the street. He sustained a fractured skull. He was removed to the Bayonne hospital where he died at 8:37 P.M. as a result of the injuries that he had received in the accident.
Police Officer Hugh O'Donnell
End of watch July 20, 1926
Patrolman William Smeaton reports that he observed Officer Hugh O'Donnell mount a police horse at 22nd Street and Avenue "F". The horse then broke into a fast gallop north on Avenue "F". Officer Smeaton got into a passing auto and followed after O'Donnell. When he got to 27th Street and Avenue "F" he found Officer O'Donnell lying on the ground near a rock pile seriously injured. He had been apparently thrown from the horse. Officer Smeaton put O'Donnell in the car and took him to the Bayonne hospital. Officer O'Donnell died on July 24, 1926 at 3:40 P.M. as a result of the injuries that he received when he was thrown from the police horse at 27th Street and Avenue "F".
Police Officer Stanley Zendarski
End of watch July 4, 1930
Patrolman Edward Hanak reports that while standing on the southwest corner of 22nd Street and Prospect Avenue with Patrolman Stanley Zendarski that Joseph Rusnak came from the eastside of Prospect Avenue towards them and started shooting directly at Officer Zendarski and myself. I then saw Zendarski fall to the ground and I was shot in the right ankle. Rusnak then fled on foot. I stopped an auto and gave chase but could not find the suspect. I was taken to the Bayonne hospital. I saw Officer Zendarski there. Doctor Geller pronounced him dead at 1:51 A.M. Lt. William Barry reports he learned later that Officer Zendarski was removed from 22nd Street at about 1:40 A.M. by a private automobile. He had been shot in the stomach. Patrolman Hanak who was also shot in the ankle was detained at the hospital. Joseph Rusnak was arrested at 2:45 A.M. this date at his home, 207 Avenue "F", Bayonne by Acting Chief Daniel Kilduff, Lt. William Barry, Sgt. Michael McGeehan, Det. Neil Ward, Ptlm. Dennis Sweeney and Ptlm. Frank Hass.
Sgt. Stanley John Czachur
End of watch April 30, 1958
Sgt. Czachur died of a cardiac condition at Police Headquarters on 04/30/1958 he was 43 years old. No other information is known at this time.
Police Officer Joseph Brameyer
End of watch June 21, 1970
At the above time while responding to a report of a burglary in progress Officer Brameyer became involved in an accident at 22nd Street and Avenue "J". His police vehicle was found imbedded on the gate post made of steel on the fence surrounding a vacant lot. Officer Brameyer was unconscious and trapped inside the car. He was removed from the vehicle and transported to the Bayonne hospital. At 5:20 P.M. Officer Brameyer expired as a result of the injuries sustained in the auto accident.
Captain Paul Jamolawicz
End of watch November 11th, 2022
On November 11, 2022, Captain Paul Jamolawicz was working as the Commander of the midnight shift when he began experiencing chest pains. Captain Jamolawicz was rushed to RWJ Barnabas Health Satellite Emergency Room where he succumbed to his injuries.
Patrolman John J. Clark
End of Watch March 28, 1897
Patrolman Clark died when he was electrocuted by a heavily-charged electric wire.
Patrolman Clark and another officer noticed that an electric wire was sparking and that power in the area had been affected. An employee of the power company was summoned to the location. The employee decided the best course of action was to pull the wire down, so he threw a long rope over it and pulled it down. When the wire came down, it began to twist and turned toward Patrolman Clark. Patrolman Clark tried to knock the wire away with his club, but the wire made contact with his face, killing him.
Patrolman Clark fell backward into the arms of the other officer. An ambulance was summoned, but nothing could be done to revive Patrolman Clark.
The linesman from the electric company was arrested and charged with manslaughter. It was alleged that he carelessly pulled the wire down and caused the death of Patrolman Clark.
Patrolman Clark had served with the Harrison Police Department for 10 months, and was survived by his mother and brother.
Patrolman Charles Gebhardt
End of watch July 26, 1898
Patrolman Charles Gebhardt was shot and killed in front of 1201 Bloomfield street. He was attempting to arrested an armed burglary suspect.
Patrolman John Condon
End of watch August 15, 1902
Patrolman John Condon died from injuries/infection from a slip and fall on a Hudson River Ferry docked in Hoboken.
Patrolman William Gudehus
End of watch October 10, 1918
Patrolman William Gudehus was beaten and shot to death at 702 Clinton Street. He was attempting to stop two brothers, who were gang members, from robbing an old man.
Patrolman Bernard Murray
End of watch December 2, 1918
Patrolman Bernard Murray was shot in the head by an AWOL US Navy Sharp Shooter, who had escaped from Deer Island Naval Prison and arrived in Hoboken with another escapee.
Patrolman Joseph Jaeger
End of watch July 6, 1926
Patrolman Joseph Jaeger was the first Motorcycle officer killed in the line of duty. He died from a crash at 6th and Jefferson street while responding to an emergency call.
Patrolman Patrick Lane
End of watch March 9, 1928
Patrolman Patrick Lane was shot and killed while engaging in a motor vehicle stop of a stolen vehicle. After searching one suspect and finding a weapon, Officer lane was shot by a second suspect while making his way to the 2nd Precinct located at 12th and Willow Ave.
Patrolman Thomas McIntyre
End of watch October 6, 1951
Patrolman Thomas McIntyre was the second Motorcycle officer to die in the line of duty. McIntyre was responding from the area of 13th and Willow Ave to someone in the need of assistance and lost control of his motorcycle crashing into the rear of a vehicle.
Patrolman Patrick Mohn
End of watch August 19, 1879
While chasing a group causing a disturbance Patrolman Mohn of the First Precinct fell and ruptured a blood vessel causing him to die of a lung hemorrhage.
Patrolman Thomas Flynn
End of watch November 29, 1879
Patrolman Flynn was found on his post at 04:00 hours in a dazed condition with a bloody nose by Sergeant Carroll. He told the Sergeant that he had been in "a little racket". It is believed that Patrolman Flynn was assaulted on Railroad Avenue by a gang known to assault Police Officers with sand bags. Patrolman Flynn returned home and during the day became unconscious and died at about 18:00 hours.
Patrolman Edward O'Brien
End of watch December 18, 1881
Patrolman O'Brien's revolver exploded causing his death. He was apprehending a burglar when he was injured. Patrolman O'Brien was able to walk his prisoner to the First Precinct before passing away.
Patrolman John Blanchard
End of watch March 14, 1888
Patrolman Blanchard of the Second Precinct contracted erysipelas while on duty and died a few days later. Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin. Erysipelas isn't considered dangerous today but it was a fatal disease in the 1800's.
Patrolman Nicholas Nester
End of watch October 7, 1908
Patrolman Nester of the Fourth Precinct died in a fire while rescuing the occupants of a burning building at 813 Ocean Avenue. Patrolman Nester entered the building numerous times carrying women and children from the building. When he returned to the building to make sure everyone was safe he was overcome by smoke and died.
Patrolman Dennis J. Sullivan
End of watch June 12, 1910
Patrolman Sullivan was electrocuted while using the call box at 18th and Grove Streets in the Second Precinct.
Patrolman Hugh J. Clarke
End of watch October 1, 1913
Patrolman Clarke was electrocuted while reporting a fire from the call box at McAdoo and the Boulevard in the Fifth Precinct.
Patrolman Charles Graham
End of watch June 11, 1914
Patrolman Charles Graham was shot while investigating a theft at Ninth and Brunswick Streets. Patrolman Graham died two days later at the hospital. Patrolman Graham was assigned to the Second Precinct.
Patrolman John Patrick Murphy
End of watch November 29, 1915
Patrolman John Patrick Murphy died of a fractured skull sustained in a fall while on patrol at Bergen Avenue and Montgomery Street.
Patrolman James F. Doherty
End of watch August 1, 1916
Patrolman James F. Doherty of the Fifth Precinct was killed in an explosion at Black Tom. The explosion is said to have been caused by an act of sabotage by German agents.
Patrolman Thomas J. Cavanagh Jr.
End of watch June 23, 1921
Patrolman Thomas J. Cavanagh Jr. of the Fifth Precinct was accidentally shot and killed during pistol qualifications at the Jersey City Armory.
Detective James Dinley
End of watch November 6, 1921
Detective Dinley arrested a man for passing forged checks at his home on Vroom Street and as Detective Dinley attempted to take the prisoner to the Precinct the man pulled a pistol and shot Detective Dinley ending his life.
Patrolman William P. Clark
End of watch August 2, 1922
Patrolman William Clark of the Police Signal Bureau fell from a pole on Palisade Avenue while repairing a Police call box line.
Patrolman Charles H. Ackermann
End of watch October 4, 1922
Patrolman Charles Ackermann of the Seventh Precinct while responding to a call of a man with a weapon in the area of Vroom Street and Bergen avenue lost control of his motorcycle on wet pavement causing him to be crushed between the motorcycle and a pole. He died several hours later at the City hospital.
Patrolman Eugene Otersen
End of watch January 7, 1922
Patrolman Eugene Otersen of the Fifth Precinct was struck and killed by a commuter train while on strike duty on the Lackawana Railroad bridge at Nineteenth and Grove Streets.
Patrolman James Quinlan
End of watch April 7, 1923
Patrolman James B. Quinlan of the City Hall Precinct was thrown from a patrol vehicle while transporting prisoners to the City hospital. The patrol vehicle collided with another vehicle at Montgomery and Brunswick streets, Patrolman Quinlan was thrown from the vehicle and struck his head on the curb.
Detective Sergeant John Black
End of watch May 22, 1923
Detective Sergeant John Black and Patrolman Clarence Wear where shot and killed on Manhattan Avenue by Frank Sage and Mae Miller while assisting the West New York Police with a robbery investigation. Another Jersey City Officer and a West New York Lieutenant were shot but survived.
Patrolman Clarence Wear
End of watch May 22, 1923
Detective Sergeant John Black and Patrolman Clarence Wear where shot and killed on Manhattan Avenue by Frank Sage and Mae Miller while assisting the West New York Police with a robbery investigation. Another Jersey City Officer and a West New York Lieutenant were shot but survived.
Patrolman Richard H. Fletcher Jr.
End of watch April 26, 1929
On December 10, 1928 Patrolman Richard Fletcher Jr. of the Traffic Bureau was detailed to maintain traffic devices. While working on a scaffold at Palisade Avenue above the Holland Tunnel roadway (RTE 139) the scaffold gave way and Patrolman Fletcher Jr. fell 14 feet to the roadway below fracturing his skull he lingered in the City hospital and died of his injuries on April 26, 1929.
Patrolman Walter O'Neill
End of watch March 2,1929
Patrolman Walter O'Neill and Patrolman John Shanahan were assigned to a plain clothes detail in an attempt to apprehend armed robbers in the Sixth Precinct. While in the area of Leonard Street and Hudson Boulevard. Patrolman Shanahan stopped four youths and as he was searching the they fled yelling that Shanahan was trying to rob them. Patrolman O'Neill hearing the youths cry for help drew his revolver, Patrolman Shanahan seeing O'Neill pointing a revolver shot and killed him. A Hudson County Boulevard Patrolman assigned to a traffic booth at Leonard Street and the Boulevard observed Shanahan shoot O'Neill and fired a shot killing Shanahan. Although both Shanahan and O'Neill were both assigned to the Sixth Precinct they did not know each other.
Patrolman John Shanahan
End of watch March 2, 1929
Patrolman Walter O'Neill and Patrolman John Shanahan were assigned to a plain clothes detail in an attempt to apprehend armed robbers in the Sixth Precinct. While in the area of Leonard Street and Hudson Boulevard. Patrolman Shanahan stopped four youths and as he was searching the they fled yelling that Shanahan was trying to rob them. Patrolman O'Neill hearing the youths cry for help drew his revolver, Patrolman Shanahan seeing O'Neill pointing a revolver shot and killed him. A Hudson County Boulevard Patrolman assigned to a traffic booth at Leonard Street and the Boulevard observed Shanahan shoot O'Neill and fired a shot killing Shanahan. Although both Shanahan and O'Neill were both assigned to the Sixth Precinct they did not know each other.
Patrolman Edward Ruark
End of watch December 12, 1930
Patrolman Edward Ruark of the Traffic Bureau was shot to death at Roosevelt and Mallory Avenues after stopping a vehicle he observed run a traffic light at Communipaw and West Side Avenues. A passenger in the auto fired two shots striking Patrolman Ruark in the abdomen. Patrolman Ruark wasn't aware that the auto was stolen and wanted for crimes in other jurisdictions.
Patrolman Joseph F. Sewell
End of watch July 18, 1932
Patrolman Joseph Sewell of the Seventh Precinct died of a heart attack while booking a prisoner. Patrolman Sewell arrested a man at 178 Duncan Avenue for prowling in the building. Patrolman Sewaell struggled with the actor at the scene and it is believed that the fight brought on the fatal heart attack.
Patrolman James J. Carroll
End of watch May 27, 1934Patrolman James J. Carroll of the Traffic Bureau lost control of his motorcycle while chasing a speeder and crashed into a traffic booth at the Tonnelle Circle. Patrolman Carroll's Son Sergeant Donald P. Carroll was shot and killed on November 6, 1986.
Patrolman Walter Harrigan
End of watch August 27, 1934
Patrolman Walter Harrigan while taking an injured party to the hospital was riding the running board of a vehicle clearing traffic with his Police whistle when he slipped from the vehicle and fractured his skull, he died a short while later at the Jersey City Medical Center.
Patrolman William Cahill
End of watch October 26,1946
Patrolman William Cahill was assisting an intoxicated man in the area of Pacific Avenue and was stricken with a fatal heart attack. Patrolman Cahill was assigned to the Fourth Precinct.
Detective William McCaffery
End of watch December 13, 1958
Detective McCaffery assigned to Headquarters was off duty when he observed Officers chasing suspected car thieves in Lincoln Park, Detective McCafferty started to pursue the actors on foot and was accidentally shot by another Jersey City Officer
Patrolman Stephen Lipka
End of watch November 8, 1965
Patrolman Stephen Lipka of the First Precinct while on foot patrol came upon a domestic dispute, as he intervened the male became combative and fought Patrolman Lipka. Patrolman Lipka brought him under control an took him to the First Precinct where another tussle occurred. During the scuffle Patrolman Lipka dropped to the floor stricken with a heart attack. Life saving efforts proved futile and Patrolman Lipka died .
Lieutenant Stanley Przygocki
End of watch October 29, 1967
Lieutenant Przygocki was off duty and a patron at the Monkey Club tavern 185 Coles Street when two men came in and announced a robbery. Lieutenant Przygocki interceded and was shot 3 times. Lieutenant Przygocki returned fire killing one of the actors while the other fled. Lieutenant Przygocki died the next day from his wounds.
Police Officer Casper J. Buonocore Jr.
End of watch September 12,1973
Police Officer Casper J. Buonocore Jr. responded to a double parked vehicle in the area of Armstrong and Ocean Avenues and upon arrival found that the owner of the vehicle had an open warrant. During the arrest a 13 year old girl started screaming and drawing a crowd. After the incident was cleared Officer Buonocore Jr. was shot from a rooftop at Ocean and Armstrong Avenues and died from the wound. Officer Buonocore Jr. was assigned to the Neighborhood task force.
Police Officer John J. Bracken
End of watch September 12, 1973
On September 1, 1973 Police Officer John Bracken while answering a holdup alarm was was involved in a collision on Ocean Avenue He died from his injuries on September 12, 1973.
Police Officer Dominick Conticchio
End of watch September 10, 1974
Police Officer Dominick Conticchio suffered a massive stroke while carrying a pregnant female in labor down a flight of stairs to an ambulance. Officer Conticchio was assigned to the Medical Center detail.
Police Officer William G. McCarthy
End of watch January 14, 1976
Police Officer William McCarthy was stabbed to death while attempting to arrest two car burglars. He was off duty at the time of the incident he was assigned to the East District.
Sergeant Donald P. Carroll
End of watch November 6, 1986
Sergeant Donald Carroll was shot and killed while attempting to subdue an emotionally disturbed man. Sergeant Carroll's Father Patrolman James J. Carroll died in the line of duty on May 27, 1934. Sergeant Carroll was assigned to the Bureau of Supervision.
Police Officer Samuel R.Wilson
End of watch January 4, 1989
Police Officer Samuel R. Wilson died of a heart attack while struggling with an actor that was being arrested for a narcotics violation. Officer Wilson was assigned to the South District.
Sergeant John E. Laughery
End of watch November 24, 1992
Sergeant Laughery contracted the AIDS virus during a search of a suspect’s car for drugs in November 1983. Sergeant Laughery’s hand was punctured by a hypodermic needle under one of the seats. Sergeant Laughery died of AIDS nine years later. Sergeant Laughery was assigned to the Bureau of Supervison.
Police Officer Edward C. Black
End of watch March 1, 2001
Police Officer Edward C. Black died on March 1, 2001, of a heart attack while on patrol in his police cruiser.
Police Officer Domenick J.Infantes Jr.
End of watch July 6, 2001
On July 4, 2001 Police Officer Domenick J.Infantes Jr. was attacked by two brothers and struck in the head with a four foot long metal pipe, he died two days later. Officer Infantes Jr. had asked the brothers to stop shooting off dangerous fireworks. He was off duty at the time of the incident. Officer Infantes Jr. was assigned to the East District.
Police Officer Shawn Carson
End of watch December 25, 2005
Police Officer Swan Carson and Police Officer Robert Nguyen assigned to the Emergency Service Bureau were killed when their truck drove off of the Lincoln highway bridge 45 feet into the Hackensack river. It was an extremely foggy night and the bridge was stuck in the open position and the warning lights and safety gates were disabled due to an earlier accident. The Lincoln highway bridge was renamed the Carson-Nguyen memorial bridge.
Police Officer Robert Nguyen
End of watch December 25, 2005
Police Officer Swan Carson and Police Officer Robert Nguyen assigned to the Emergency Service Bureau were killed when their truck drove off of the Lincoln highway bridge 45 feet into the Hackensack river. It was an extremely foggy night and the bridge was stuck in the open position and the warning lights and safety gates were disabled due to an earlier accident. The Lincoln highway bridge was renamed the Carson-Nguyen memorial bridge.
Detective MarcAnthony DiNardo
End of watch July 21, 2009
Detective DiNardo was shot and killed on Reed Street while attempting to enter a residence where armed robbery suspects were barricaded. Officers had tracked the violent robbery suspects to the apartment. As they rammed the door down, the officer were met with gunfire. Detective DiNardo was shot in the face, and four other officers were injured in the incident. Two suspects were also killed during the gun battle. Detective DiNardo was assigned to the Emergency Service Bureau.
Detective Melvin Vincent Santiago
End of watch July 13, 2014
Detective Santiago was ambushed and shot when he and his partner responded to a robbery call at the Walgreens pharmacy Communipaw Ave and Kennedy Blvd. Detective Santiago was fatally shot in the head as he exited his patrol vehicle. The actor was shot and killed by responding Officers. Detective Santiago was assigned to the West District. The West district was named in memory of Detective Santiago
Lieutenant Christopher Robateau
End of watch January 5, 2018
Lieutenant Christopher Robateau was involved in a motor vehicle accident on the New Jersey turnpike and as he went to render aid to a victim he was struck by a passing vehicle. Lieutenant Robateau was the East District Executive Officer and an Officer in the PSOA.
Detective Joseph Alan Seals
End of watch December 10, 2019
Detective Joseph Seals was shot and killed during an encounter with two suspects in a stolen van. The suspects then fled and barricaided themselves inside a grocery store where the killed three additional people. The suspects engaged responding Officers in a shootout for several hours and wounded two Officers during the exchange of gunfire. Both suspects were shot and killed by responding Officers. Detective Seals was assigned to the Cease fire unit.
Officer William Flack
End of watch November 1, 1928
Officer William Flack was killed in a motorcycle accident while providing an escort for New York's Governor Alfred Smith, a presidential candidate, as he campaigned in New Jersey.
Officer Fabian C. Eklof
End of watch December 30, 1930
Officer Eklof was killed in an automobile accident while on duty.
Patrolman George Rennie
End of Watch: October 5, 1970
Patrolman George Rennie was the first Police Officer in the history of the SPD to die in the line of duty. His fatal injuries were sustained while he was involved in a motorcycle accident with his police motorcycle.
Police Officer Henry Hamilton
End of Watch: December 21, 1938
On December 18, 1938, Officer Hamilton was struck by a motor vehicle as he crossed Bergenline Avenue. He was treated by a doctor and went home. The next day, Hamilton was admitted to a local hospital. While in the hospital, Hamilton died as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. Officer Hamiton passed away on December 21, 1938.
Police Officer Romeo Caino
End of Watch: September 15, 1959
On September 15, 1959, Officer Romeo Caino made a motor vehicle stop in the area of Kennedy Blvd and 26th Street. While conducting that stop, Officer Caino was struck and killed by a passing motor vehicle.
Police Officer Vincent Wilhelm
End of Watch: July 20, 1965
Police Officer Vincent Wilhelm was assigned to transport a woman in an ambulance. He drove the patient to Christ Hospital and, while in the parking lot, he collapsed. Wilhelm was taken into the Hospital, where he died. I believe he died as a result of a heart attack. Officer Wilhelm, a veteran of World War II, died on July 20, 1965.
Police Officer Joseph Peters
End of Watch: July 7, 1981
Police Officer Joseph Peters died in the line of duty on July 7, 1981. He had been assigned to conduct surveillance at an illegal dumping site and died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a problem with his assigned police vehicle.
Detective Lieutenant Charles A. Harm
End of Watch: Sunday, January 29, 1922
Detective Lieutenant Charles Harm succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous day when he was ambushed while escorting a bank messenger to the post office. The messenger was sending $21,000 from a local bank to the Federal Reserve Bank and Detective Harm had been assigned to protect the shipment. As the two walked towards the post office Detective Harm noticed two suspicious men approaching at the intersection of Clinton Street and Monastery Street. As he warned the messenger, the men pulled out handguns and opened fire. Detective Harm returned fire, but his gun jammed after he fired two shots. As he attempted to clear the jam a third suspect approached from behind and shot him several times, killing him. The three men chased the messenger and stole the money when the man dropped the package. Four men were arrested and charged with Detective Harm's murder. They were released on bail and the case remained open for 10 years as detectives attempted to collect more evidence. During that time one of the suspects was murdered and a second was sent to prison on unrelated charges. One of the remaining suspects was taken into custody on unrelated charges 10 years later in Boston. Detective Harm was a U.S. Army veteran. He survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Police Officer Paul Scholz
End of Watch: Saturday, August 31, 1929
Patrol Officer Paul Scholz died from injuries sustained the previous day. He and his partner had responded to a citizen's complaint about a boiler malfunction at a home at 201 43rd Street. While talking with the individual the boiler exploded, injuring several people and killing another person at the scene. Officer Scholz had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and one child.
Sergeant James Francis Knight
End of Watch: Thursday, March 5, 1931
Sergeant James Knight was shot and killed when he and another officer attempted to stop a
wrong-way vehicle in the 400 block of 12th Street. As Sergeant Knight stepped from his car the occupants of the other vehicle opened fire, striking him in the head. The other officer returned fire. It was later determined that the occupants of the car had just been involved in a robbery of silk valued at $40,000. All six men were later apprehended. All six were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years. On January 23, 1933, all six were awarded new trials and released on bail when the Errors Court ruled they were wrongly convicted. One was shot and killed by an unknown assailant on October 25, 1934. Sergeant Knight was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Detective Arthur Materka
End of Watch: Friday, January 21, 1938
Detective Arthur Materka was shot and killed while investigating a series of robberies that had occurred in Hudson County and Bergen County He had taken up a hidden position in the rear of a grocery store at the intersection of 21st Street and Hudson Boulevard after receiving information that the store may be robbed. A short time later a man entered and attempted to rob the store. The subject forced the store's owner to the rear of the building. Based on a pre-arranged plan with Detective Materka, the owner dove into a sideroom as Detective Materka confronted the robber. The suspect shot at him twice with a .45 caliber handgun. Despite returning fire with his shotgun, Detective Materka was struck once in the head and killed. The suspect was later apprehended. Detective Materka was survived by his wife and five sisters. He was a World War I hero.
Sergeant Arthur McKenna
End of Watch: Thursday, July 10, 1947
Sergeant Arthur McKenna was shot and killed with his own service weapon after being assaulted in an unprovoked attack. He was on duty at approximately 2:00 am, eating breakfast at a local diner on 38th Street, when a man walked up behind him, grabbed his gun, and shot him twice in the back. Two nearby officers who heard the shots ran into the diner and arrested the man, who was later learned to be a self-proclaimed cop-hater. Sergeant McKenna was taken to North Hudson Hospital, where he died a short time later. The suspect, 22, was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He was denied parole on June 13, 1958. Sergeant McKenna was a United States World War I veteran and served with the Union City Police Department for 21 years.
Detective Nicholas M. Guirado
End of Watch: Monday, November 4, 1974
Detective Nicholas Guirado was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to question a suspicious man standing in a taxi stand at the intersection of 49th Street and Broadway at 5:20 p.m As the officers approached the man, he pulled out a .38 caliber revolver and opened fire, striking Detective Guirado in the stomach. The suspect then attempted to shoot the other officer, but as Detective Guirado fell to the ground, he grabbed the suspect's arm and pulled the trigger, causing the round to strike his partner's leg, saving his life. Detective Guirado's partner shot and killed the suspect as the man attempted to flee. The suspect was using a .38 caliber revolver loaded with buckshot. Detective Guirado had served with the Union City Police Department for five years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Detective Alex Ruperto
End of Watch: Thursday, April 16, 2020
Detective Alex Ruperto died after contracting COVID-19 while performing patrol duties. Detective Ruperto had served with the Union City Police Department for 21 years. He is survived by his two adult children. The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.
Lieutenant Matthew Vogel
End of watch: December 27, 2021
On December 27th, 2021. He began his career with the Hudson County Sheriff's Office on September 13th, 1999. Lieutenant Vogel served as a patrol officer until he was promoted to the rank of Detective in April of 2008 where he served as the Record Room/Evidence and TAC Detective. He remained in that position and was then promoted to the rank of Sergeant on April 11th, 2011 and finally to the rank of Lieutenant on February 7th, 2017. Lieutenant Vogel also served as our 8o/VAT TEAM commander as well as a member of our Crash Investigation Unit among other jobs He was a long-time member of North Bergen EMS where he served as an EMT. Lieutenant Vogel was a major asset to this office over the last 22 years and will be forever missed by all.
Bernard Waddell Sr.
End of watch: April 1, 2020
Bernard Waddell Sr. 56, The veteran corrections officer did succumb to the coronavirus outbreak while working in the Hudson County Corrections and Rehabilitation Facility . He patrolled the housing units on foot patrol for over thirty years and died from Covid related complications during the pandemic. The Jersey City resident was 56. He died April 1,2020
Shawn Williams
End of watch: December 22, 2021
Shawn Williams, 54, passed away on Dec. 22,2021 from COVID-related complications during the pandemic. He patrolled the housing units on foot in Hudson County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center since 1994 and dedicated his life to working among inmates for 29 years.
Patrolman Frank W. Drewes, Jr.
End of watch: October 4, 1933
Cause of Death: Motorcycle crash
Patrolman Harold Seaman
End of watch: November 15, 1930
Cause of Death: Motorcycle crash
Patrolman William Dietz
End of watch: January 5, 1930
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Patrolman Julius W.H. Froh
End of watch: March 30, 1929
Cause of Death: Motorcycle crash
Patrolman Thomas Joseph Clossey
End of watch: January 13, 1929
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Patrolman Patrick McLaughlin
End of watch: March 30, 1924
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Motorcycle Policeman Robert Cookson
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 26, 1925
Motorcycle Policeman Robert Cookson succumbed to injuries sustained three days earlier when he was involved in a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Hudson Boulevard and Underwood Place in Jersey City.
He was riding alongside another policeman when their motorcycles collided, causing Policeman Cookson's motorcycle to collide with a car. Policeman Cookson was transported to Jersey City Hospital where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.
Policeman Cookson was survived by his wife.
Policeman Eugene Cooke
End of Watch Wednesday, November 9, 1921
Policeman Eugene Cooke succumbed to injuries sustained the previous morning when he was struck by a taxicab at the intersection of the Boulevard and Pavonia Avenue while on duty at about 2:15 am.
He was taken to Jersey City Municipal Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the taxi that struck him was arrested and charged with manslaughter.
Policeman Cooke had just returned to duty after being struck and injured by another car the week before.
Policeman Cooke was a U.S. Navy veteran.