John J. McGovern served in the U.S. Army.
Police Officer John McGovern was shot and killed while questioning three suspicious men across from the Webster Street School on Crane Street. As he spoke with two of the men the third man stepped behind him and shot him in the back four times. The shooter and two of his relatives were arrested. In two trials he was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1914 his third trial resulted in a murder conviction and he was sentenced to 13 to 27 years. He was paroled on May 2, 1922. Officer McGovern was a U.S. Army veteran of the Spanish-American War and had served with the Newark Police Department for 2-1/2 years.
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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 McGovern gave the Newark Police Division 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community, and 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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