Trooper Sean Cullen
By Ray O’Hanlon
rohanlon@irishecho.com
The law enforcement community in New Jersey and beyond is mourning the loss of Sean Cullen, a 31-year-old Dublin-hborn New Jersey State Trooper who was killed earlier this week when he was struck by a vehicle while responding to a car fire.
The death of the young Irish immigrant, who was living the dream of so many of his fellow Irish down the years, was a sad reminder that the job of being a police officer poses danger in many forms.
Trooper Cullen was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 295 in West Deptford, South Jersey, not far from Philadelphia.
He died later in hospital from his injuries.
According to a report in the Star Ledger Trooper Cullen was struck while walking near the scene of the car fire Monday evening last.
He was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital with head injuries where he died the following day.
The 22-year-old woman who struck him stopped immediately and is cooperating with police, authorities said.
According to the report, Trooper Cullen was responding to a two-car accident and car fire when he was struck.
Several police and fire vehicles were already at the fire scene with emergency lights activated when Cullen was struck, police said.
Members of Cullen's family, several troopers and members of other law enforcement agencies held a vigil late into the evening at the hospital, the report added.
Cullen was a member of the 154th State Police Class and was stationed at the Bellmawr Station.
He had been a trooper for about two years. As a senior at Cinnaminson High School he also participated in the State Police youth training program.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said: “Every day, the men and women of the New Jersey State Police put their lives on the line to protect our citizens. The sudden and tragic loss of New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen reminds us how fragile life truly is and the dangers police officers face daily on the job.”
Cullen was born in Dublin in 1985 and immigrated with his family to the U.S. three years later.
He is survived by his fiancée and their nine-month-old son, his mother, father, two brothers and a sister.
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing to Trooper Sean Cullen, who the made the ultimate sacrifice while helping those in need,” Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said.
“His life and service to the citizens of New Jersey can be characterized as honorable, loyal and faithful.”
