John J. Ressler was born on January 8, 1907 in New York City and later resided in Hillside, NJ. He attended Baybrook School in New York City and St. Benedicts’ School in Newark. Prior to enlisting in the New Jersey State Police he worked as a pipe fitter and truck driver/chauffeur.

Trooper Ressler enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on October 1, 1929 as a member of the 21st Class and was assigned to the Teletype Bureau at Division Headquarters at the time of his death. His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the high principles of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper Ressler’s death resulted from injuries received in an automobile accident in the line of duty.

On May 1, 1932 at approximately 12:40 pm, Trooper Ressler was driving north on Madison Avenue through Lakewood, New Jersey. He collided with a truck travelling east that ran through a stop sign on 4th Street. When Trooper Ressler’s car spun out of control, the driver side door flew open and he was thrown out against the curb and killed instantly from a broken neck and fractured skull.

Trooper Ressler served 2 years and 7 months with the New Jersey State Police. He was survived by his parents and four brothers and five sisters. He was 25 years old.