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Incident
Sergeant Willliam Connelly was shot and killed on North 18th Street while attempting to arrest a man for driving a stolen car at about noon. The two began to struggle after the man got out of the stolen car and Sergeant Connolly was then shot. The 32-year-old suspect was apprehended by FBI agents in Newark in March of 1966. The suspect, at one time a popular boxer, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life at hard labor on December 9, 1966. Sergeant Connelly had been employed with the East Orange Police Department for 27 years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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27 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Connelly gave the East Orange Police Department 27 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the East Orange community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Connelly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East Orange Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1965, 2 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1965, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1965, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 57. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 57. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 57. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.3% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Wednesdays: 14%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at East Orange Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 12.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
East Orange Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from East Orange Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
