Memorial unveiled in Warren County honoring New Jersey state trooper killed in line of duty in 1945
HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — A public memorial honoring New Jersey State Police Sgt. Cornelius A. O’Donnell, who was fatally shot in the line of duty more than 80 years ago, was unveiled Friday in Harmony Township.
The ceremony drew more than 100 people, including members of O’Donnell’s family, local and state police, firefighters, local and county government officials and community members.
Warren County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla was among the speakers at the ceremony.
The memorial will be located along a county road just a few miles from where O’Donnell was shot on July 16, 1945, while escorting a prisoner across a railroad bridge from Pennsylvania into New Jersey.
According to the New Jersey State Police Memorial Association, O’Donnell and Trooper Fred Perry were escorting a prisoner who had fled to Pennsylvania after committing a murder in New Jersey.
The prisoner had agreed to return to New Jersey, where the troopers could arrest him.
O’Donnell led the group across the railroad bridge, followed by the prisoner, with Perry walking behind them.
As they approached the midpoint of the bridge, the prisoner ran toward the railing and attempted to jump into the river.
O’Donnell grabbed the prisoner, and the two briefly struggled before the prisoner managed to remove the sergeant’s revolver from his holster.
The prisoner then shot O’Donnell twice in the stomach, according to the memorial association.
O’Donnell was transported to Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, where he died several hours later. He was 42 years old.
Born Aug. 8, 1902, in Bayonne, O’Donnell later moved to Washington Borough in Warren County.
He attended St. Mary’s Parochial School in Bayonne and worked as a carpenter for the city before joining the New Jersey State Police.
O’Donnell enlisted on March 15, 1928, as a member of the 16th State Police Class.
He was initially assigned to Troop B at Morristown headquarters and later served at the Washington Station.
According to the New Jersey State Police Memorial Association, O’Donnell’s 17 years and four months of service were marked by loyalty, dedication and a commitment to the principles of the State Police.
The memorial serves as a permanent tribute to O’Donnell’s service and sacrifice in the line of duty.
