Joseph Richard Roessner
Incident
Patrolman Roessner was killed in an automobile accident while involved in a high speed pursuit. His patrol car struck a tree during the pursuit, causing fatal injuries. Patrolman Roessner had served with the agency for 6 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- 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. Army. One record, 2 gates. Joseph is one person.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Roessner gave the Springfield Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roessner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Joseph Richard Roessner served in the U.S. Army (1952â1954) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Joseph is the only officer of Springfield Police Department remembered here.
Joseph is one of 258 officers lost to accidents in NJ, 39.9% of the 647 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1962, 6 officers in NJ were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 102 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 11.
In 1962, 69 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1962, 80 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 57th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Joseph was 30. 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. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 30. 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. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 30. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 10.5% of these deaths in NJ, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Springfield Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 39.9% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Military Service
Joseph Richard Roessner served in the U.S. Army (1952–1954) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Joseph Richard Roessner’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 25-W
Also Remembered
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