Prev
Incident
Police Officer John Burns was struck and killed by a train. He was attempting to arrest a suspect for narcotics possession and was pursuing the suspect on foot when he was struck and killed by a Penn Central Railroad train on the tracks near the Poplar Street overpass. Officer Burns had served with the Rahway Police Department for only six months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqp6rcndpnre7d23b7fv- 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.
Police Officer Burns served with the Rahway Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rahway community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Burns.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Rahway Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
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, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1971, 3 officers in NJ were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 102 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 11.
In 1971, 79 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 29th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1971, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 27. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 27. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 27. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 5% of these deaths in NJ; March holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Rahway Police Department, the most common cause.
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 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Rahway Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Rahway Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
