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RESPECT YOURSELVES AND RESPECT ONE ANOTHER
Patrolman John F.
Norcross badge #1822 died in the line of duty at 14:08 hours on April 20,
1995. He had responded to an officer needing assistance call, which
involved his brother, Detective Richard Norcross. Upon his arrival,
Patrolman J. Norcross evacuated residents from their houses and after
doing so, was fatally wounded by a single gunshot. While performing his
duties, Patrolman John Norcross made the ultimate sacrifice for the
citizens within his borough. For this sacrifice, Patrolman Norcross
received the highest award from the Haddon Heights Police Department, The
Medal of Valor. In addition, Patrolman Norcross received the Policeman's
Benevolent Association Medal of Honor.
John began his interest in law enforcement at an early age and in 1985 was
named Police Explorer of the Year. His relentless pursuit of perfection
aided him in receiving the William C. Wurst Memorial Award in 1987
for professionalism while engaged in the Police Explorer Program. Also in
that year, John received the Professionalism Award from the Burlington
County Chiefs of Police Association. John further received a citation of
merit on February 29, 1988 from the Washington Township Police Department.
John again received an award on July 16, 1988, a certificate of excellence
presented by the United States Air Force Office of Security
Police.
John joined the Haddon Heights
Police Department on November 27, 1989 as a dispatcher and was appointed
as a full time police officer on April 29, 1991. John graduated from the
Gloucester County Police Academy to begin his career in law enforcement
and on June 6, 1994, received an award of commendation for actions
displayed during a homicide investigation.
On December 20, 1994, John received a certificate of appreciation from the
Mayor and Council for five years of valuable service to the police
department and the borough of Haddon
Heights.
John's dedication and devotion to
his family were first and foremost in his life and his personal nature
could be described as caring, giving, and always willing to lend a hand.
John was actively involved in the Policeman's Benevolent Association as a
member and Treasurer of Local #328. John loved to play golf and would
always be willing to give advice on the "perfect swing". His fun-loving
personality made him easy to talk to and his sense of humor eased any
tense moment. John would often refer to the dispatcher's office as "The
Penalty Box", and would occasionally sit for an "eight hour major" when
the dispatcher was out. John will always be remembered fondly and will be
sorely missed by his fellow officers who consider themselves fortunate to
have been his friends. Those who knew John personally, feel he was one of
a kind.
John leaves behind his loving wife
Jane, as well as his mother Patricia, father Richard, brothers Richard and
Patrick, and sister Heather. They will always cherish him as husband, son,
and brother.
To John from all those who
knew you:
WE LOVE
YOU!