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Incident
Patrolman Kessler died after being run over by an eight-ton rescue vehicle at the exit of the Holland Tunnel.
At approximately 1645 hours, about 100 feet from the Varick Street exit of the Holland Tunnel, Patrolman Kessler was mounting an eight-ton rescue vehicle. The rescue vehicle was moving slowly from the tunnel, towing a disabled Port Authority patrol wagon. Patrolman Kessler lost his footing and fell under the wheels of the vehicle.
Patrolman Kessler had served with the Port of New York Authority Police Department for 24 years, and was one of the original officers trained for tunnel duty when the tunnel opened in October 1927
Patrolman Kessler is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Survivors
Patrolman Kessler had served with the Port of New York Authority Police Department for 24 years, and was one of the original officers trained for tunnel duty when the tunnel opened in October 1927
Patrolman Kessler is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
24 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Kessler gave the Port of New York Authority Police Department 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Jersey City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kessler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Port of New York Authority Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
Charles is one of 258 officers lost to accidents in NJ, 39.9% of the 647 remembered there.
Charles is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1951, 7 officers in NJ were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 102 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 11.
In 1951, 70 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 48th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1951, 76 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 64th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Charles was 55. Of the 232 lost to accidents in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 41.3; the middle age was 33.5. Charles had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 55. 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. Charles had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 55. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.1% of these deaths in NJ; March holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 16.7%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Port of New York Authority Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 39.9% of all 647 deaths in NJ, 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
Port of New York Authority Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Port of New York Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
