New Jersey State Police, New Jersey
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 19, 1983
Age: 53
Tour of Duty: 30 years
Badge Number: 1177
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: July 19, 1983
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Lieutenant Lester Pagano was killed in an automobile crash on I-80 and Main Street in Wharton.
Lieutenant Pagano was assigned to a detail investigating the murder of Trooper Philip Lamonaco, who was shot and killed on December 21, 1981. He was returning from following up on leads when his vehicle slid on the rain-slick road and crashed through a guardrail.
Lieutenant Pagano was shot in the spine in the line of duty while apprehending a murder suspect in 1959.
Lieutenant Pagano had served with the New Jersey State Police for over 30 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and three sons. His two brothers also served with the New Jersey State Police, with one serving as the Superintendent.