Clifton renames street in honor of police officer killed in the line of duty

Matt Fagan, NorthJersey.com
·2 min read

Eighteen years after Police Officer John Samra was killed in the line of duty, Clifton has a new street named in his honor.

At a recent ceremony, the city unveiled a "John Samra Way" sign to mark the street in the old Athenia Steel complex, now the James Anzaldi Recreation Complex, named after the city's mayor.

A new address, 38 Samra Way, was given to the complex and the building, which is under construction. The number 38 was Samra's call radio number, which has been retired by the department.

"John C. Samra was a hero, son, brother, friend and city of Clifton police officer. Officer Samra ultimately sacrificed his life for the citizens of Clifton," said PBA Local 36 president Tom Sucameli.

The dedication was the result of a collaboration among the PBA, Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi, City Manager Nick Villano, Anzaldi, and the entire City Council, he said.

"Officer Samra will never be forgotten and our members are happy to know that the 'Samra' name will live on," Sucameli said.

Honor guard of Clifton Police Officers on hand at recent dedication of John Samra Way, the street recently named after Samra, Clifton's lone police officer killed in the line of duty. John Samra Way is the street leading into the James Anzaldi Recreation Complex.
Honor guard of Clifton Police Officers on hand at recent dedication of John Samra Way, the street recently named after Samra, Clifton's lone police officer killed in the line of duty. John Samra Way is the street leading into the James Anzaldi Recreation Complex.

His sentiments were echoed by Clifton City Councilman Bill Gibson.

"We had to do something more for Johnny," said Gibson, a retired police officer who worked alongside Samra. He said he vividly recalls the day in 2003 when Samra, who was on a motorcycle, was broadsided by the driver of a van who was attempting to flee a motor vehicle stop.

Because it is located at a well-used sports complex, generations of Clifton residents will be reminded of Samra's sacrifice, he said.

"It is a very positive thing," Gibson said. "It is part of Clifton's history."

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They originally discussed renaming East Third Street, where Samra lived.

After taking into consideration the wishes of East Third Street residents, council members chose to rename the street.

"Honoring Officer Samra in this way is a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life while protecting the city of Clifton," Rinaldi said. "It will serve as a reminder for generations to come of the ultimate sacrifice that Officer Samra made for our community and will help keep his memory alive forever."

Matt Fagan is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: fagan@northjersey.com

Twitter: @fagan_nj

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Clifton NJ renames street after fallen police officer John Samra