Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Waterson was shot and killed after he and his partner interrupted a robbery in progress at a motel on Central Avenue, next to the Garden State Parkway. The suspect fled on foot to a nearby parking lot, where he ambushed Patrolman Waterson as he searched the area. The suspect was arrested 25 years later but acquitted at trial. Patrolman Waterson was a United States Vietnam War veteran and served with the Clark Township Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, one brother, and one sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-75E2DD39- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 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 Waterson gave the Clark Township Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clark 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
William J. Waterson served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman William J. Waterson 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 97,756 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William J. Waterson's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Waterson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Waterson is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Waterson was killed by gun.
Military Service
William J. Waterson served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit William J. Waterson’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Clark Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.