Flags at all state buildings in New Jersey were lowered to half-staff Thursday to honor a state trooper who died when his cruiser struck a deer last weekend.
Gov. Chris Christie ordered the honor for 24-year-old Anthony Raspa, who lived in Highland Park and was a member of Troop "C'' based at the Hamilton Township station in Mercer County.
“Trooper Raspa has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of the State of New Jersey and, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark his passing and to honor his memory," said Christie.
The honor comes on the day Raspa will be laid to rest in Somerset, New Jersey.
State police officials have said Raspa and partner Gene Hong were patrolling eastbound on a stretch of I-195 in Monmouth County when their Ford Crown Victoria struck the deer early Saturday.
The car ran off the side of the road and hit a tree. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The 29-year-old Hong was treated at a hospital for lacerations and a neck injury.
