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Incident
Police Officer Roland Brewster was shot and killed while off-duty inside of a tavern at 20 Van Vechten Street. He was inside the tavern when three men approached him and asked if he was a police officer. Officer Brewster responded that he was not and started to back away from the men. One of the men then drew a handgun and shot him. The three were apprehended and convicted of murder. Officer Brewster had served with the Newark Housing Authority Police Department for 2-1/2 years.
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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.
Police Officer Brewster gave the Newark Housing Authority Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Brewster.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Newark Housing Authority Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Roland is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Roland is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Roland 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 1972, 3 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Roland was 40. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Roland had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Roland was 40. 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. Roland had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Roland was 40. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Roland had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 5.7% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Wednesdays: 14%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Newark Housing Authority Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 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
Newark Housing Authority Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Roland among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Newark Housing Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw.