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James Calandra
Incident
Officer James Calandra was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a truck that was changing lanes in the New Jersey-bound tube of the Holland Tunnel. Another Officer had instructed the truck driver to change lanes. The truck driver, not seeing Officer Calandra's motorcycle, changed lanes and struck Patrolman Calandra, killing him. Patrolman Calandra had been in law enforcement for 28 years. He was one of the first forty men hired by the Port of New York Authority Police on May 26th, 1928, they were called Bridgemen at the time. He transferred to the New York State Police in 1931. He later resigned from the New York State Police and was re-appointed by the Port Authority in 1937.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
28 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Calandra gave the Port of New York Authority Police Department 28 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Jersey City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Calandra.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Port of New York Authority Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 258 officers lost to accidents in NJ, 39.9% of the 647 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1956, 3 officers in NJ were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 102 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 11.
In 1956, 60 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 73rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1956, 74 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 68th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 50. 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. James had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 50. 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. James had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 50. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.5% of these deaths in NJ; March holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 17.1%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Port of New York Authority 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Port of New York Authority Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Port of New York Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
