Honoring Officer William J. Waterson
As communities across the nation observe National Police Week, Clark pauses to remember the only township police officer ever lost in the line of duty: Patrolman William J. Waterson. His story is not only a part of Clark’s history — it is a powerful reflection of the courage and sacrifice that National Police Week seeks to honor.
Waterson, known as “Billy,” was born on September 13, 1946, and raised in Clark. A graduate of Arthur L. Johnson High School’s Class of 1965, he went on to serve his country as a United States Marine in Vietnam, returning home and joining the Clark Police Department in 1969 — following in the footsteps of his father, Captain John Waterson.
On the night of July 3, 1971, while on routine patrol with his partner, Officer Richie Reider, Waterson responded to a violent incident behind what was then the Howard Johnson motel on Central Avenue, now the site of the Clark ShopRite. While attempting to intervene, the suspect fled into the nearby woods and opened fire. Officer Waterson was shot twice and later died at Rahway Hospital in the early hours of July 4.
Each year, his story is remembered, not just as a tribute to his bravery, but as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers take every day to protect others. A memorial ceremony will be held on the morning of July 4 at 9 a.m. in front of the Clark Police Department. Members of the public are invited to attend.
As National Police Week reminds us, we must never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities — and in Clark, we will always remember Patrolman William J. Waterson.
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