Flags at all state buildings in New Jersey will be lowered to half-staff on Friday to honor a police officer who died in the gym of his department's headquarters last week.
Manchester Township Police remembered Patrolman Scott Thompson as a family man and dedicated officer who served New Jersey residents for nearly three decades.
“Scott was a kind, dedicated officer and family man,” said Manchester Township Police Chief Lisa Parker. “He loved his family and his fellow officers… We all loved Scott and he will be missed terribly.”
Thompson, who joined the township’s force in 1999 collapsed while exercising at police headquarters in the Ocean County town. He later died Community Medical Center, said police.
Thompson, who left behind a wife, Tracy, and daughters, Kelsey and Sydney, was just 47 years old.
Gov. Chris Christie ordered the honor for Thompson.
Christie said his selfless devotion to public service and protecting others "makes him a hero and a true role model for all New Jerseyans."
