EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (Mercer County) – A New Jersey State Police trooper died during training on Sunday, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan said.
Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, badge #7829, Troop “D”, Moorestown Station passed away during training at New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Ewing Township, officials said.
Trooper Bethea served with the New Jersey State Police for over eight years and was a member of the 156th State Police Class, Callahan said.
“His commitment and passion for serving the citizens of New Jersey exemplified Honor, Duty, and Fidelity. Please keep Trooper Bethea and his family in your prayers,” Callahan said.
“This evening our hearts are heavy as we mourn the devastating loss of Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, a dedicated member of New Jersey State Police Troop D who was training to join the elite TEAMS Unit. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones, and together, New Jersey grieves with them and with every member of the New Jersey State Police,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said.
“State troopers, and other members of law enforcement, enter their profession knowing its risks but put themselves on the line because they believe in serving the residents of our state. We owe Trooper Bethea our deepest gratitude and can honor his memory by living our lives with his same reverence for Honor, Duty, and Fidelity,” Platkin said.
“Trooper Bethea showed a passion and spark for service from a young age, participating in New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week while a student at Burlington Regional High School, and later graduating from the State Police Academy as part of the 156th class. He embodied Honor, Duty, and Fidelity in its highest form every day and in everything he did. An investigation into his death is underway. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fellow troopers at this difficult time,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.
Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.
