New Jersey State Police, New Jersey
End of Watch Tuesday, December 2, 1969
Add to My HeroesRobert J. Prato
Trooper Prato was killed at 8:19 p.m. in an automobile accident on I-295 in West Deptford Township.
His patrol car was traveling north on the inside lane when he was struck head-on by a drunk driver in a 1963 Chevrolet convertible heading south in the northbound lane at mile marker 19.3. The 50-year-old drunk driver was also killed.
Trooper Prato had served with the agency for 13 months. He was survived by his wife and two sons, ages 4 and 2.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 1 year
- Badge 2353
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsOn this actual anniversary of your untimely departure I'd like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
December 2, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024