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Incident
Detective Tamburro was shot and killed when he attempted to intervene in a robbery of a liquor store. Detective Tamburro was off-duty and talking with the manager of the store when a gunman entered and announced a robbery. The suspect had taken $50 from the manager, when Detective Tamburro reached for his service weapon. The suspect opened fire, killing Detective Tamburro. A few days before the 28-year-old suspect shot Detective Tamburro he was released from prison after serving 10 years for armed robbery. He was apprehended in Chicago by Chicago Police on October 17, 1979. Another man who was the get-away driver was also arrested. The suspect pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Detective Tamburro had served with the Essex County Sheriff's Department for 9 years. He was survived by his wife and three children. He had two brothers who were Essex County Deputies.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Tamburro gave the Essex County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Tamburro.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Essex County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 6 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 47. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
John was 47. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 9 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%. Mondays: 12.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Essex County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Essex County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Essex County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
