John P. McCarthy was born on July 4, 1955 in Newark, NJ and resided in Irvington, Essex County. He attended Sacred Heart and the Seton Hall Prep Schools. Prior to enlisting in the New Jersey State Police, he worked as a bartender and night manager.

He enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on April 21, 1978 as a member of the 93B Class and was assigned to Troop “B”. He was later assigned to Troop “D”. His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the high principals of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper McCarthy died as the result of injuries received when struck by a motor vehicle while in the performance of his duty.

On September 25, 1982 at 12:08am, Trooper McCarthy was investigating a one-car motor vehicle accident on the left-hand median of the New Jersey Turnpike at Mile Post 113 NSW. His troop car was parked on the right hand shoulder. He walked across two lanes to the accident and safely returned to his troop car to radio for a tow-truck. As he started back across the turnpike to return to the accident, he was struck by a southbound passenger vehicle.

Trooper McCarthy suffered multiple traumas and a skull fracture. He was taken to Riverside Hospital in Bayonne where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Trooper McCarthy served 4 years and 5 months with the New Jersey State Police.

He was survived by his wife and two children; a 4 year-old daughter and a 3 year-old son.

Trooper McCarthy was 27 years old.