Joseph D. Wirth, Jr was born on June 8, 1926 in Bayonne, New Jersey where he resided his entire life. He attended Bayonne Technical High School. He was a veteran of the Second World War, serving in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946.

Trooper Wirth enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on August 29, 1949 as a member of the 36th Class and was detached to the Turnpike (“Region B”) 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 Wirth’s death resulted from injuries received in an automobile accident in the line of duty.

On November 25, 1951 at 3:50 am, a 1949 Buick sedan collided with the car driven by Trooper Wirth at 35th and Boulevard in Bayonne. He was taken to Bayonne Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival from a fractured skull.

Trooper Wirth served 2 years and 4 months with the New Jersey State Police and was survived by his wife and parents. Trooper Wirth was 25 years old.