Remembrance stands test of time in Camden County
n PHOTOS BY WILLIAM BRETZGER
Law enforcement officers from all over Camden County, area residents and the families of fallen Haddon Heights Local 328 Patrolman John Norcross and Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Local
316 Investigator John McLaughlin gathered outside Haddon Heights
Borough Hall on April 20 to reflect on the anniversary of their deaths.
Twenty years ago, the two officers lost their lives in a police shooting when McLaughlin attempted to serve a resident with a weapons
warrant. Patrolman Richard Norcross, John’s brother who was a part
of the warrant execution team, was critically wounded while John
was shot as he helped neighbors flee to safety.
Both officers are honored on the town’s public safety monument
– a newly painted and refurbished memorial clock – outside of borough hall.
The town also memorialized the officers in a documentary, “After
Tragedy,” produced by four Rowan University students. Haddon
Heights Detective Sergeant Bruce Koch, one of two members left in
the department who served at the time of the shooting, worked with
surviving officer Norcross to get the film made.
“We felt it was important to have the documentary so future generations would know the sacrifices the officers made in Haddon
Heights,” explained Koch. “We didn’t want their sacrifice to be forgotten.”
Victoria McLaughlin, John’s daughter, spoke on behalf of her family, as did Richard Norcross, who is now retired from the Camden
County Prosecutor’s Office. The two families placed wreaths of flowers beside the memorial that bears their names.
Norcross reflected that his brother, McLaughlin and all the police
officers and first responders who put their lives on the line,
“represent everything that is decent and honorable in law enforcement.”
He closed with the sentiment, “may we never place another name
on this memorial.” d
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MAY 2015
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