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Incident
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.
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.
Survivors
Sergeant Knight was survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
Sergeant Knight gave the Union City Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Union City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Knight.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Union City Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James 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 1931, 3 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 38. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
James was 38. 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. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 38. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 6.8% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Thursdays: 13.3%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Union City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 2.7% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Union City Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Union City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
