Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Frank Papaianni was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a silent holdup alarm at a bank at Menlo Park Mall. The suspect opened fire on the officers when they arrived at the scene, striking Patrolman Papaianni in the chest and critically wounding his partner before they were able to exit the patrol car. The suspect, an ex-convict, was shot and killed. Patrolman Papaianni had served with the Edison Police Department for three years. He is survived by his expectant wife and two children. Lake Papaianni was named in honor of Patrolman Papaianni.
Survivors
He is survived by his expectant wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-A2308D46- 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 Papaianni gave the Edison Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Edison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Papaianni.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Frank J. Papaianni 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 Edison 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. Frank J. Papaianni's cause is highlighted.
How Frank J. Papaianni Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank J. Papaianni is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank J. Papaianni was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Edison Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
