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Incident
Patrolman Joseph Wargo was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on I-80, near exit 30, at about 12:15 am.
The driver, who was under the influence of four narcotics at the time, was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control and crossed the median. The vehicle struck Patrolman Wargo's patrol car head-on and pushed it into a wooded area. Patrolman Wargo was flown to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
In February 2013 the subject pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Patrolman Wargo had served with the Mount Arlington Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Wargo gave the Mount Arlington Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mount Arlington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wargo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joseph is the only officer of Mount Arlington Police Department remembered here.
Joseph is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2011, 3 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 2011, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2011, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 37. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Joseph was 37. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.3% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Sundays: 13.3%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Mount Arlington Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile; narcotics involved, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; narcotics involved, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; narcotics involved, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; narcotics involved, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Mount Arlington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.