Prev
Incident
Patrolman Clark died when he was electrocuted by a heavily-charged electric wire.
Patrolman Clark and another officer noticed that an electric wire was sparking and that power in the area had been affected. An employee of the power company was summoned to the location. The employee decided the best course of action was to pull the wire down, so he threw a long rope over it and pulled it down. When the wire came down, it began to twist and turned toward Patrolman Clark. Patrolman Clark tried to knock the wire away with his club, but the wire made contact with his face, killing him.
Patrolman Clark fell backward into the arms of the other officer. An ambulance was summoned, but nothing could be done to revive Patrolman Clark.
The linesman from the electric company was arrested and charged with manslaughter. It was alleged that he carelessly pulled the wire down and caused the death of Patrolman Clark.
Patrolman Clark had served with the Harrison Police Department for 10 months, and was survived by his mother and brother.
Survivors
Patrolman Clark had served with the Harrison Police Department for 10 months, and was survived by his mother and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpy6x8cqbgn3tx4vk80w- 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
129 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Clark served with the Harrison Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Harrison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
John is the only officer of Harrison Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 258 officers lost to accidents in NJ, 39.9% of the 647 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 1897, 1 officer in NJ was lost to accidents, the 65th heaviest of 102 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 11.
In 1897, 14 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 131st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1897, 23 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 126th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 29. 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. John had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 29. 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 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 29. 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 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 10.5% of these deaths in NJ, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.7%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Harrison Police Department.
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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Harrison Police Department are honored on badge.nw.