Incident
Patrolman John Nobrega succumbed to injuries sustained on December 15, 1957, at the intersection of Gosport Road (modern-day Portsmouth Boulevard) and Elm Avenue. He and his partner were on patrol when their patrol car was struck in the intersection. The other driver was charged with reckless driving. Patrolman Nobrega was treated for a broken rib and contusion of his spine. He was re-admitted to the hospital on January 14, 1958, and remained hospitalized until passing away from complications of his injuries on January 29, 1958. Patrolman Nobrega had served with the Portsmouth Police Department for 28 years and was the longest serving member of the department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two adult children, and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
28 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Nobrega gave the Portsmouth Police Department 28 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Portsmouth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Nobrega.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Portsmouth Police Department has lost 10 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1958, 3 officers in VA were lost to accidents, the 12th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 1958, 50 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 96th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1958, 61 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 89th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 64. Of the 192 lost to accidents in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 64. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 64. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 12.8%. Wednesdays: 15.3%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 10 deaths at Portsmouth Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Portsmouth Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, John among them.
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John Wilson Nov 11, 1871
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William S. Winningder
Aug 11, 1908
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Elridge Rochelle Story
Nov 30, 1936
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John J. Nobrega
Jan 29, 1958
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David W. Carpenter
Feb 7, 1967
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Earl Phillips Wilkins
Apr 9, 1968
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William Harvey Austin
Jun 18, 1969
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Joseph Martin Weth Jr.
May 28, 1982
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Garland Lindwood Joyner, Jr.
Mar 18, 1984
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Richard Lee Spaulding
Nov 23, 2005
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Portsmouth Police Department are honored on badge.nw.







