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Incident
Patrolman Clowar was killed while responding to a report of a man attempting to blow up a tavern. The bar owner was able to lock the man outside of the bar before Patrolman Clowar and his partner arrived. As Patrolman Clowar approached the door the suspect pulled the pin on a hand grenade. The grenade detonated, killing the suspect, an acquaintance, and Patrolman Clowar. Patrolman Clowar had served with the agency for 4 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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 Clowar gave the Trenton Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Trenton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Clowar.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Trenton Police Department has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1964, 1 officer at Trenton Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1964, 1 officer in NJ was killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1964, 75 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1964, 76 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 99th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 29. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Trenton Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 36; the middle age was 29. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 29. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
John was 29. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 20% of these deaths at Trenton Police Department, more than any other month. Mondays: 40%.
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Mondays: 12.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Trenton Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
His people
Trenton Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Trenton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
