Watchung Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Add to My HeroesMatthew J. Melchionda
Officer Matthew Melchionda was killed in an automobile crash while responding to assist undercover detectives in conducting a traffic stop. The detectives, who were assigned to the Auto Larceny Unit, were preparing to stop a suspicious vehicle and requested a marked patrol car.
Officer Melchionda activated his emergency equipment and began to respond to the location. While he was traveling on Norwood Avenue, he passed one vehicle that failed to completely yield to him. After passing the vehicle, he came upon a second vehicle that was traveling slowly down the road. As he attempted to pass that vehicle, it began to make a left turn.
The vehicle struck Officer Melchionda's patrol car just behind the right front wheel, causing the patrol car to spin around and strike a tree on the driver's side door. Officer Melchionda was killed instantly.
No charges were filed against the two drivers who failed to yield as Officer Melchionda passed them.
Officer Melchionda had served with the Watchung Police Department for 6 years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and brother. His brother also serves on the Watchung Police Department.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 6 years
- Badge 11
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 565 ReflectionsMarch 31, 1974 a beautiful baby boy was placed in my arms and filled my life with immeasurable joy. You would be 50 years old today. I can't help wondering what great things you would have accomplished, would you have children of your own, what would you look like, so many things I wonder about. All I know is that I miss you every minute of every day. Celebrating the day you came into my life for 31years, 342 days. I love you Matthew.
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
March 30, 2024
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