The Aleshire, Wurst and Holmes Memorial Fund

11/25/2025

We acknowledge the passing of retired Medford Lakes Police Chief Roger N. Smith with deep respect.

His support to Mount Holly, most notably during the tragedy of March 28, 1975, remains part of our history and will not be forgotten. His commitment to duty and to his community stands as his legacy.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and colleagues at the Medford Lakes Police Department.

Rest in peace, Chief.

-Aleshire Holmes Wurst Memorial Fund,
Board of Trustees

It is with sincere condolences that I announce the passing of retired Medford Lakes Police Chief Roger N. Smith. He began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Medford Township Police Department in 1968. Chief Smith joined the Medford Lakes Police Department on 5/26/1969. He moved up through the ranks and served as Chief from 11/1/1977 until his retirement on 12/31/1995. Chief Smith received various awards and recognition for his service, including a Resolution from Mount Holly Township for assistance provided with a shooting that took place on March 28, 1975, which claimed the lives of three police officers (Aleshire, Wurst, Holmes).

At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest police chief in Burlington County. His tenure was marked by integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of his community.

Funeral Services are private at the request of the family. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home of Medford, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Roger’s name be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. (BradleyStow.com)

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Very Respectfully,
Chief John G. McGinnis, Jr.

https://www.bradleystow.com/obituary/Roger-Smith

03/28/2025

Today, in front of the Mount Holly Police Station, we gathered as a community; active and retired officers, family members, and loved ones; united in remembrance for those we have lost. It was the 50th Annual Memorial Ceremony, a day that marks not just a reflection on the lives of our fallen brothers, but a promise to never forget their sacrifice.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt prayer led by Deacon Casa, allowing us all a moment to reflect. The weight of the day’s purpose hung in the air as we stood side by side, honoring the courage and service of the officers who gave everything for our safety.

As the crowd gathered, family members of the fallen stood arm in arm with us, and together we placed wreaths in front of the memorial stone; an emblem of their enduring sacrifice. For 50 seconds, we stood in silence. One second for every year that has passed since our brothers were taken from us. In those moments, we felt their presence, still with us, still watching over us.

Trooper Bowman on his bagpipes played Amazing Grace, the beautiful yet haunting melody filling the air. As we retired the colors, the music stirred something deep inside us all. Chills ran down our arms, and for a brief moment, the weight of what we were honoring was overwhelming. Many of us found ourselves holding back tears, as we remembered the lives lost far too soon.

But the day was not only about reflecting on the past; it was a challenge- a challenge to all of us who are here today. We asked the community, our officers, and those who honored with us, to take 50 seconds today; to pause, to reflect, and to honor our fallen brothers. One second for each year they have been gone, a reminder of how fortunate we are to still be here.

We are grateful to everyone who came out today to stand with us, to honor those who gave everything for this town. Their watch may have ended on this day 50 years ago, but the respect for their sacrifice will never fade.

We will always remember.

Patrolman Donald Aleshire, Patrolman John Holmes, and Officer William Wurst.

Fidelis Ad Mortem

03/26/2025

Reminder that the 50th Memorial is this Friday, March 28th, 2025 at 10 AM. We will have commemorative Tee-Shirts and Challenge Coins available for purchase the day of the Event.

Benefits from the shirt and coin sales will directly benefit the community through The Aleshire, Wurst and Holmes Memorial Scholarship and Youth Fund. We are a 501(c)(3) charity organization that have continued to honor The Fallen through benevolent initiatives and scholarships to the local community.

We are excited to see everyone, please travel safe.

03/21/2025

Honoring 50 Years since "The Good Friday Massacre"
The Aleshire, Wurst, and Holmes Memorial & Open House

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic Good Friday Massacre; an event that forever shaped the Mount Holly Police Department and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our officers may be called to make in service to the community.

On March 28, 1975, Hainesport Officer William Wurst and Mount Holly Officer Donald Aleshire were shot and killed while courageously attempting to apprehend a mentally ill man firing an assault rifle at cars and pedestrians on Garden Street. Mount Holly Officer John Holmes was also critically wounded in the line of duty, paralyzed during the incident, and later succumbed to his injuries 17 years afterward.

In the wake of this tragedy, the members of the Mount Holly Police Department founded a Memorial Youth Scholarship Foundation in the names of these officers to honor their dedication and ensure their names and ultimate sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. This foundation continues to thrive today, providing scholarships to local high school students, supporting area youth clubs and sports organizations, and funding vital community initiatives like Operation St. Nick. The generosity and support we receive from our community remain the key to continuing this mission and ensuring our fallen brothers’ legacies endure.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, we invite all community members, families, and friends to join us for a special memorial service in front of the Mount Holly Municipal Building, 23 Washington Street, at 10:00 AM.

Following the memorial, we will host an open house at the police department to showcase recent updates made in tribute to our fallen officers and to honor the rich history of our department.

We will conclude the day’s events with a light luncheon at the new Relief Fire House, located at 17 Pine Street at approximately 11:30 AM.

On March 28th, 2025 please join us in honoring the sacrifice of Officers Aleshire, Wurst and Holmes, and in celebrating the continued impact their memory has on our community.

09/18/2024

THANK YOU for an incredible day at the 8th Annual Aleshire Holmes Wurst Memorial Youth Scholarship Fund Poker Golf Outing!

Yesterday, we gathered not just for a day of golf, but to honor the memory of three brave local officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their legacy lives on through our mission to support local high school students with scholarships that cover college fees, books, and supplies. 📚🎓

For over 45 years, this non-profit has been a cornerstone of community outreach, and it was heartwarming to see so many come together to celebrate their lives while making a difference for the future. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this important cause! Together, we are making a lasting impact. 💙

Check out the photos from yesterday's event, and let’s continue to honor these heroes by uplifting our youth!

09/14/2022

2022 Aleshire, Wurst and Holmes Golf Outing!

09/14/2022

Officers from the Mount Holly Police Department hosted the 7th annual golf outing in memory of Fallen Officers Donald Aleshire, William Wurst and John Holmes who tragically lost their lives on March 28, 1975. We would like to thank everyone for coming out and participating in this year's event. It was a COMPLETE success!! A special thanks goes to our sponsors and volunteers, who without them this event would not have been possible. We hope to see you all next year on the greens. ⛳️