Patrolman William J. Cady, South Plainfield Police Department, New Jersey

Patrolman William J. Cady

South Plainfield Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Saturday, April 19, 1975

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William J. Cady

Patrolman William Cady was struck by a car and killed while on a traffic stop on I-287 near the Stelton Road entrance ramp at 12:13 am.

During the stop, another vehicle, driven by a man who was under the influence of marijuana, struck Patrolman Cady. He was transported to Muhlenberg Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries six hours later.

The suspect was found guilty of death by auto and sentenced to six months in a county work camp and had his license suspended for six months.

Patrolman Cady was a combat United States Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and had served with the South Plainfield Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 6 years
Badge 9
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Narcotics involved
Offender Sentenced to six months

Impaired Driver, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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I’m just a regular person so this may never be submitted, but I ran across this by accident, and I am saddened by it 50 years after the fact. My father was also a Vietnam veteran who went into law enforcement, and I could have so easily walked in the shoes of his children. Thank you for your service, Mr. Cady, and love sent to the surviving family. The sacrifice of people who are serving others and putting themselves in harm’s way should never be forgotten. Those are the real heroes in our world.

Mitzi Jandt-Everts
Grateful citizen

September 21, 2025