Edison Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Thursday, September 16, 1971
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 55
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 16, 1971
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Frank Papaianni was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a silent holdup alarm at a bank at Menlo Park Mall.
The suspect opened fire on the officers when they arrived at the scene, striking Patrolman Papaianni in the chest and critically wounding his partner before they were able to exit the patrol car. The suspect, an ex-convict, was shot and killed.
Patrolman Papaianni had served with the Edison Police Department for three years. He is survived by his expectant wife and two children.
Lake Papaianni was named in honor of Patrolman Papaianni.