Detective John Tamburro
Essex County Sheriff's Department
New Jersey
End of Watch: Monday, October 1, 1979

Biographical Info
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, October 1, 1979
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Pleaded guilty

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.

Two suspects were later apprehended. The suspect who shot Detective Tamburro pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison.

Detective Tamburro had served with the Essex County Sheriff's Department for 9 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.