East Orange, NJ, May 16, 2018: In honor of National Police Week 2018, Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council and the Department of Public Safety pay tribute to those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind.

A memorial plaque made in honor of five East Orange police officers killed in the line of duty was created for permanent display on the first floor of East Orange Police Headquarters at 15 South Munn Avenue.  

Two remembrance tables located on the first floors of EOPD headquarters and 44 City Hall Plaza will remain up for the rest of May. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop and reflect on the lives of those lost.   

“We have been extremely fortunate here in East Orange that we have not lost a police officer in the line of duty in over 50 years. That is a real testament to the brave men and women of EOPD who make the ultimate sacrifice every time they put on their uniform,” said Mayor Ted R. Green.  “During this time, we remember the fallen officers and the families they left behind and we also celebrate and honor our entire law enforcement community. We never take for granted or underestimate the great sacrifices you make every single day to keep our city and our families safe.”

The following East Orange officers were killed in the line of duty:

Policeman Andrew G. Carlson
End of Watch: February 4, 1905 – Cause: Duty-related illness

Detective Robert J. Shannon
End of Watch: December 15, 1915 – Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Joseph O'Connor
End of Watch: May 1, 1925 – Cause: Struck by vehicle

Police Officer Thomas J. Ennis
End of Watch: February 14, 1937 – Cause: Gunfire

Sgt. William A. Connelly
End of Watch: October 6, 1965 – Cause: Gunfire

National Police Week was begun in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

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