Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Clowar was killed while responding to a report of a man attempting to blow up a tavern. The bar owner was able to lock the man outside of the bar before Patrolman Clowar and his partner arrived. As Patrolman Clowar approached the door the suspect pulled the pin on a hand grenade. The grenade detonated, killing the suspect, an acquaintance, and Patrolman Clowar. Patrolman Clowar had served with the agency for 4 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-3588A30C- 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.
Patrolman Clowar gave the Trenton Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Trenton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Clowar.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John J. Clowar 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 Trenton Police Department, 5 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 71.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John J. Clowar's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Clowar Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Clowar is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Clowar was killed by explosives; grenade.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Trenton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
