1990

November 25, 1990
Vehicular Assault  – @ 8500 Katy Freeway 

DOB - 7/23/1951, Age 39
Badge – 2521
Class #120
Final Resting Place –    Forest Park Lawndale, Houston TX     

Houston Police Officer John Anthony Salvaggio lost his life while on duty after being struck by a hit and run driver. At approximately 2 a.m., November 25, 1990, Officer Salvaggio had stopped a motorist and was issuing a traffic ticket on the Katy Freeway. He had been working radar on the westbound lanes of the freeway when he pulled over Mr. Guy Mayer into the emergency lane.

In signaling Mr. Mayer off the freeway, Officer Salvaggio followed police procedure by positioning his vehicle with emergency lights flashing to the far right of the freeway. This allowed the police vehicle to shield Mr. Mayer and Officer Salvaggio from oncoming traffic.
As Mr. Mayer was reaching into his glove compartment, he felt his car shudder. Startled, he looked up in time to see Officer Salvaggio being thrown past his car and coming to rest about 20 feet in front of him. The driver of the hit and run vehicle left the scene without stopping and rendering aid to the fallen officer. Gus Mayer, whom had been stopped by Salvaggio, was reported to say, "I thought I was hallucinating. As soon as I felt the impact, I saw his body thrown about 20 feet in front of my car, and then I tried to get a look at the car that did it."

William E. Byrd, the alleged suspect, was arrested at his home and charged with "Failure to Stop and Render Aid." He had been driving a two-tone, gold and cream Ford Granada, which matched the hit and run description.

Officer Salvaggio was described by his fellow officers as being proud of his family and proud of being a police officer. Officer John A. Salvaggio was assigned to the night shift at the Northwest Substation. His fellow officers said he was well-liked. One officer remembered when John and his brother ran the Houston Police Department's cafeteria in the basement of the Central Police Station about 15 years ago. "Every day, he'd talk about how badly he wanted to be a cop." Officer Salvaggio had realized his dream and had been a Houston police officer for seven years. Lt. Jerry Driver said "He was a real likeable guy. He was the kind of guy that spread a little sunshine where ever he went. He had a laugh and an attitude that made your day."
When Officer Salvaggio was laid to rest, several thousand mourners attended the funeral. More than half were law enforcement officers. They had come from all over the state to pay their respects. A simple cedar post was dedicated to mark the location of his death on the Katy Freeway. Mike Bradford made and installed the marker. He was also instrumental in the marker for Officer James B. Irby. Mr. Bradford said, "I wanted people to understand that these police officers are out there protecting our lives and property. I just hope there won't be any more of these incidents in the future."

Officer John Salvaggio is survived by his wife, Marybess; daughters, Cathy and Virginia; son, John Il; parents, Guy and Catherine Salvaggio; brothers, Charles and Jack; sister, Tammy Martino; and grandmother, Mary Salvaggio.

Source – Houston Police Department Museum Files