Trooper John Weber

Trooper John Weber was killed when the motorcycle he was operating collided with an automobile.

Trooper Weber was among a group of troopers to take a motorcycle-riding lesson that afternoon from the barracks in Wakefield. He was the last of the group to come down the twisting driveway that led to the barracks. After turning out of the driveway and onto Boston Post Road, his motorcycle crashed into a passing automobile, just a few feet past the entrance to the barracks. Trooper Weber was killed instantly.

Weber served in the United States Navy from 1908 to 1922 (14 1/2 years) as a Chief Gunner's Mate and eventually Chief Torpedoman, during which he received numerous military decorations. During World War I he received the Navy Cross for his efforts in combating an oil fire aboard the U.S.S. Woolsey, during which he sustained severe burns to his face and hands.

Weber was a member of the very first Rhode Island Mounted Police Training Academy and was still a recruit in the Training Academy at the time of his death.

Trooper Weber gave his life while in the performance of his duty and died upholding the highest traditions of the Rhode Island State Police and "In the Service of the State." He was the first Rhode Island State Trooper to die in the line of duty.