Fallen NJ Officers Remembered at Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

The two New Jersey law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty over the past year were remembered Tuesday as courageous men who served their state proudly.

Millville Police Patrolman Christopher Reeves, killed July 8, 2012 when his patrol car was rammed by a driver fleeing authorities, and New Jersey State Police Detective Sgt. James G. Hoopes, who died of a heart attack during training, were added to the list of the 467 New Jersey officers who have died in the line of duty since 1854.

The annual memorial service, held at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, includes a ceremonial roll call of fallen officers and a 21 gun salute. The West Windsor-Plainsboro north and south high school choirs performed renditions of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Danny Boy."

Gov. Chris Christie delivered this year's keynote address, pointing out the family of a childhood friend who became a police officer and paid the ultimate price. The governor said it always strikes him, having attended nine of the last 12 state memorial ceremonies, that the families of officers who died years before keep coming in order to comfort others.

"You can see the eyes of the families who have suffered the same loss and see that they are here today to embrace, in every way, not only the memory of their loved one, but to embrace the families who have now tragically and unfortunately joined their ranks," said Christie.

Police officers face "chaos, crime and despair" in their daily work, said Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa, who addressed officers in the crowd. "But what all of you should take enormous pride in is that, as soon as you arrive at a situation, your uniform and your badge makes everybody breathe a little bit easier. Because they know you're there to take care of them, and they're safer than they were before you got there."