KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and a contingent of troopers Thursday joined the family of Trooper II Philip Lamonaco, who was shot and killed in the line of duty 42 years ago, to celebrate his life and legacy.
Family and friends gathered at the fallen trooper’s memorial on Interstate 80 in Knowlton Township.
On Dec. 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.
“Our prayers and thoughts remain now and always with the Lamonaco family,” state police said.
