Prev
Incident
Patrolman John Rau was struck and killed by a vehicle he was attempting to stop at the intersection of 17th Street and Hamilton Street.
He was struck by one of two vehicles that were racing along Hamilton Street as he stepped into the roadway to signal them to stop. He was taken to Allentown Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Patrolman Rau had served with the Allentown Police Department for 15 years. He was a widower and survived by his son, daughter, three brothers, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnyp6nqfhzfads6f1ecm- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Rau gave the Allentown Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Allentown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rau.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
John is the only officer of Allentown Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 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, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 13 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1931, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1931, 115 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 66. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. John had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
John was 66. 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 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 66. 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 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.9% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 14.1%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Allentown Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Allentown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.