Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer John Covalesk was shot and killed while investigating a downtown burglary. He was shot as he entered a business after finding the door open. Despite being wounded, Officer Covalesk returned fire and wounded the suspect. The suspect then shot Officer Covalesk in the head as he lay on the ground. The man was arrested and sentenced to life in prison, but released after serving only 11 years. Officer Covalesk had served with the agency for seven months.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-F5E491E6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Covalesk served with the San Jose Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the San Jose community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Covalesk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer John J. Covalesk is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At San Jose Police Department, 8 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John J. Covalesk's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Covalesk Compares
Offender Outcome
Released after serving 11 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Covalesk is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Covalesk was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from San Jose Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
