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Incident
Patrolman De La Master was killed in a motorcycle accident while transporting culture tubes from the Paterson Board of Health back to Hasbrouck Heights. The tubes were needed to test school children during an epidemic of scarlet fever. He was attempting to pass a car on McLean Boulevard when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. He was able to jump off of the motorcycle but was struck by an oncoming truck.
Survivors
Patrolman De La Master was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman De La Mater served with the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Hasbrouck Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman De La Mater.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Gerald is the only officer of Hasbrouck Heights Police Department remembered here.
Gerald is one of 258 officers lost to accidents in NJ, 39.9% of the 647 remembered there.
Gerald is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Gerald is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1939, 2 officers in NJ were lost to accidents, the 39th heaviest of 102 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 11.
In 1939, 61 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 72nd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1939, 80 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 57th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Gerald was 32. Of the 232 lost to accidents in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 41.3; the middle age was 33.5.
Gerald was 32. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Gerald was 32. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in NJ; March holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 17.1%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hasbrouck Heights Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 39.9% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
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