John Painter served in the U.S. Air Force.
Police Officer John Painter and civilian Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson were shot and killed while responding to a call involving a suspicious person carrying a duffel bag in a restricted area of Memorial Hall.
Officer Painter and CSO Jefferson contacted the subject. After a short interaction, the man opened fire on them, fatally wounding both. The man fled on foot into the town of Bridgewater. He was taken into custody after wading onto an island in the North River.
The man was a former Bridgewater College student. He was charged with two counts of capital murder and additional felonies related to the incident.
Officer Painter was a United States Air Force veteran and served in law enforcement for 20 years. He had formerly served as the police chief of the Grottoes Police Department.
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In tribute
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.
Police Officer Painter gave the Bridgewater College Police Department 20 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bridgewater community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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