Teaneck Remembers Fallen Police Officer

The driveway to police headquarters was renamed Tuesday in honor of Teaneck Police Officer John Abraham Jr., who died in the line of duty one year ago when his patrol car struck a utility pole.

More than 100 people attended an emotional ceremony, where a sign marking “John Abraham Jr. Drive” was unveiled outside the police station, a short distance from the crash site.

For John’s brother, Thomas, the word “drive” also served as a fitting reminder of the decorated police veteran's character. He noted his brother’s devotion to police work and dedication to the Teaneck community.

“You look at the amount of citations above his badge and realize that’s an amazing feat,” he said. “John was a cop’s cop.”

From catching a robbery suspect who almost ran him over, to leading a team of officers in rescue efforts at Ground Zero, and , John has been remembered as a hero cop always ready to take on extra shifts and help fellow officers.

Many of the 17-year-veteran’s acts of heroism have only become well known since his death. 

“John was just like many police officers, he was humble,” Thomas said.

A year after his death, the loss was still being felt by fellow police officers and residents. Thomas said he has received scores of messages from people touched by John and wanting to pay their respects.

“It shows how many people loved John,” Thomas said.

The outpouring of support from Teaneck residents and the Police Department has helped the family over the past year, he said.

“John was a great guy and I miss him,” Thomas said. “We know that the Township has suffered a great loss as well.”

On behalf of the family, Thomas presented the Township with a painting to show their appreciation for giving John a career he loved.

“Thank you,” Thomas told the crowd. “Those two words are never enough, but they are appropriate at this time.”

John has been honored at a national police memorial in Washington, D.C. and at a . In May, police officers from across North Jersey set off on where his name was added to a list of fallen officers.

Law enforcement officers from around North Jersey attended Tuesday's ceremony, including police from Mount Arlington where Officer Joseph Wargo was recently killed in a motor vehicle crash. 

A Teaneck officer showed John’s mother, Mary Abraham, his tattoo of her son’s badge number, 257. John’s memory has remained strong in Teaneck, with fresh flowers continually placed at the crash site and officers wearing black bands marked with 257 over their badges.

“They say time heals all wounds, but some wounds leave scars,” said Deputy Police Chief Robert Carney, who led the ceremony.

Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin remembered growing up with John and said the two bonded over being among the only Indian children in school at the time. Years later, Hameeduddin said he saw John grow up into “such a fine officer.”

“It’s very appropriate that we honor his service,” the mayor said.

After the sign bearing his name was unveiled, John’s mother moved her hand over her son’s name and whispered, “I miss you. I miss you.”