70 years have gone by since Hawthorne had its first and only officer killed in the line of duty.

Patrolman John L. Meyers was on a traffic post and was struck and killed by a vehicle. Officer Meyers was with the police department for only 8 months before this tragic accident.  

Prior to joining the police department Meyers was enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. Hawthorne has dedicated a monument to officer Meyers in the rear of borough hall and Hawthorne has also dedicated Parmelee and McKinley Avenues in honor of Officer Meyers service to the borough of Hawthorne.