Roll of Honor
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
BO-US-NJ-6EC2D552- 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 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 United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Robert M. Perry 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 NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Plainfield Police Division, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert M. Perry's cause is highlighted.
How Robert M. Perry Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert M. Perry is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert M. Perry was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Plainfield Police Division are honored on badge.nw.
