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Incident
Patrolman Perry was shot and killed as he and another officer were protecting firefighters as they put out a fire at the scene of a racial disturbance. His partner was shot in the leg. Four days later, the 24-year-old suspect was apprehended. On October 3, 1972, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison in 2020. Patrolman Perry was a United States Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran who had been awarded several medals for his bravery in action and had served with the Plainfield Police Division for 11 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and father, a Plainfield Fire Department captain.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpnvna6bhs11353adcpm- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. Robert is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Perry served with the Plainfield Police Division.
Thank you for your service to the Plainfield community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert M. Perry served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Plainfield Police Division has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert 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 1970, 4 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1970, 138 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1970, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 22. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 0.9 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Robert was 22. 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. Robert had served 0.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 22. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 0.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.2% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Wednesdays: 14%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Plainfield Police Division. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 23.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Plainfield Police Division has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Military Service
Robert M. Perry served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert M. Perry’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Plainfield Police Division are honored on badge.nw.
