Ridgefield Park Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Tuesday, September 7, 1920
Add to My HeroesJohn Ritter, Jr.
Patrolman Ritter was shot and killed with his own service weapon after making an arrest. Another officer had arrested a drunk man who was making a disturbance. Two of the man's friends followed the officer as he walked the man to jail and continued to urge the officer to release the man.
When the suspect encountered Patrolman Ritter he explained the situation and Patrolman Ritter decided to arrest one of the other two as well. As he did so the third man lifted up Patrolman Ritter's coat, grabbed his revolver, and fired five times, fatally wounding Patrolman Ritter.
An extensive manhunt turned up both suspects. They were both convicted and served 20 years in prison.
Patrolman Ritter was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Served 20 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsPatrolman Ritter,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ridgefield Park.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 7, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Gabriel Facio
Apache Junction Police Department, AZ
EOW: June 8, 2025

Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: June 5, 2025

Sergeant J. D. White
Angleton Police Department, TX
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros
Bloomfield Police Department, NM
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Samuel Riveros
Baldwin Park Police Department, CA
EOW: May 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Weston Sherrer
Morrow County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025