Crowds gather to say goodbye to New Jersey trooper killed in the line of duty

Friends, family members, and fellow law enforcement officers congregated in Cinnaminson on Monday to say goodbye to Sean Cullen, a New Jersey state trooper who was killed in the line of duty last week.

Cullen was investigating a vehicle fire on Interstate 295 in West Deptford when a passing car struck and killed him.

Mourners from Cinnaminson, other parts on New Jersey, and other states traveled to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church to pay their respects.

“It’s just such a sad moment,” said Riverside resident Brendan Griffin, whose son competed in high school wrestling competitions with Cullen. “Wonderful guy. He’d do anything for you.”

Born in Ireland, Cullen attended Cinnaminson High School, where he was friends with Jake Marshall, who attended the Monday morning service.

“He was a great guy, always laughed, was always having a good time, always had a smirk or a smile on his face,” said Marshall, adding that Cullen was a particularly “great wrestler.”

The 31-year-old had served as a police officer in Sea Isle City, Mount Holly, and Westampton before joining the New Jersey State Police in 2014.

Cullen’s funeral attracted dozens if not hundreds of law enforcement officers from the state and around the country.

“Our uniforms are all the same color, and we’re out here to do the same job. It doesn’t matter what state we’re from,” said Nate Krug, a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Krug said he hoped his presence — and the presence of countless other officers — would give Cullen’s family some measure of comfort. “With all the support today, hopefully it helps them feel loved.”

All across Cinnaminson Monday morning, blue ribbons adorned trees in honor of Cullen. Cinnaminson resident Ron Catlett, a neighbor and friend of the Cullen family, said the community quickly came together to honor one of their own.

“My daughter called me this morning — she’s a teacher here in Cinnaminson — and told me, ‘Dad, you gotta put flags out,'” said Catlett.

Cullen leaves behind his fiancee and a 9-month-old son, as well as other family members.