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NJ State Trooper II Philip Lamonaco remembered 41 years after line-of-duty death

KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – A contingent of troopers Wednesday gathered together with the family of Trooper II Philip Lamonaco, who was shot and killed in the line of duty 41 years ago, to celebrate his life and legacy.

Surrounded by family and friends, Donna Lamonaco, her daughter Sarah, and son, New Jersey State Lieutenant Michael Lamonaco, gathered at Tpr. II Lamonaco’s memorial on Interstate 80 in Knowlton Township.

The memorial is located at the site where Tpr. II Lamonaco was shot and killed during a motor vehicle stop.

On December 21, 1981, at around 4:35 p.m., Trooper II Lamonaco was on patrol traveling west on Interstate 80 in Knowlton Township when he stopped a vehicle at milepost 5. During the stop, a gun battle ensued and Trooper II Lamonaco was shot nine times. He was taken to Mount Pocono Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Trooper II Lamonaco served 11 years and 1 month with the New Jersey State Police.

Tpr. II Lamonaco’s widow, Donna, his son Lt. Lamonaco, and several friends shared stories and reflected on how Phil Lamonaco was not just a great trooper, but a great man as well.

“Our prayers and thoughts remain now and always with the Lamonaco family.” state police said.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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