Joseph J. Rybka was 32 when he was killed while on duty at Bergen Pines County Hospital on the morning of January 7, 1979. A decade with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office had marked him as a committed officer; he was assigned to guard a wounded prisoner who had been shot in a confrontation with detectives four days earlier.

At 3:08 a.m. a struggle broke out; the prisoner overpowered Deputy Rybka, took his service weapon, and four shots were fired. Three rounds struck and killed the deputy. The suspect fled the hospital with the officer’s gun but was located and arrested about thirty minutes later, still carrying the firearm. He was convicted of murder and given a life sentence. Deputy Rybka was a husband and father and is remembered for his sacrifice and service.

If anyone knew Deputy Rybka or has information about that night, please share what you can.