Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Roland Brewster was shot and killed while off-duty inside of a tavern at 20 Van Vechten Street. He was inside the tavern when three men approached him and asked if he was a police officer. Officer Brewster responded that he was not and started to back away from the men. One of the men then drew a handgun and shot him. The three were apprehended and convicted of murder. Officer Brewster had served with the Newark Housing Authority Police Department for 2-1/2 years.
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- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-6FA96518- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Police Officer Brewster gave the Newark Housing Authority Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Brewster.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Roland J. Brewster is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NJ, 229 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.4% of this state's fallen. That is 35.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Newark Housing Authority Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Roland J. Brewster's cause is highlighted.
How Roland J. Brewster Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Roland J. Brewster is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Roland J. Brewster was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Newark Housing Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
