TRENTON - Acting Governor Tahesha Way today signed S-3903, designating a portion of State Highway Route No. 47 as the “Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway” to honor the life of Officer Shisler who tragically passed away after being shot in the line of duty. Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway will extend from milepost 68.18 to milepost 73.93 on State Highway Route No. 47.

Officer Shisler grew up in Deptford Township, New Jersey and played baseball and football for Deptford High School. Following his time as a Division 1 baseball player for Presbyterian College, Officer Shisler went on to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a police officer. He spent four years as a beloved officer for the Deptford Township Police Department, and he will be long remembered for his commitment and dedication to his community.

“I am honored to designate ‘Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway’ in recognition of Officer Robert Shisler’s incredible life of public servitude,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “When a member of our law enforcement is killed while fulfilling their duty to protect and serve, it is a loss mourned by the entire state. This designation will ensure that Officer Shisler’s bravery and sacrifice will be forever remembered and recognized by New Jerseyans.”

“The men and women who are called to a career in law enforcement understand the inherent dangers associated with police work, but do so willingly in spite of the fact that they may not make it home to their loved ones.  They dedicate their lives to a career of service while selflessly placing the needs of others ahead of their own,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Officer Robert J. Shisler paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving the residents of Deptford and will forever be remembered.  The dedication of this portion of State Highway 47 in his honor will ensure that no one will ever forget his sacrifice or what he meant to his community.”

Primary sponsors of S-3903/A-5518 include Senators Fred Madden Jr. and Nilsa Cruz-Perez, and Assemblymembers William Moen Jr., Paul Moriarty, and Willliam Spearman.

“There is nothing we can do to match the courage and dedication of Officer Robert “Bobby” Shisler, but this is one way to honor his legacy, distinguished service, and personal sacrifice,” said Senator Fred Madden Jr. “May we cherish his memory always.”

“Now we have a permanent way to remember and honor Officer Shisler,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez. “We will never forget his dedication, and the extreme sacrifice he made keeping our community safe.”

“Today, we are commemorating the legacy of an exceptional young police officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. A Deptford native, Officer Bobby Shisler served his hometown with integrity for four years, working to make his community a safer place to live for his family, friends, and neighbors,” said Assemblyman Bill Moen. “He deserves to be remembered as a hero. This is a small but meaningful gesture to honor his sacrifice and preserve his memory.”

“Brave law enforcement officers like Officer Shisler put on their uniforms every day and work tirelessly to make the neighborhoods they serve safer,” said Deputy Assembly Speaker Paul D. Moriarty. “Officer Shisler was the first Deptford police officer ever to die in the line of duty and we hope he is the last. With the signing of this law, and the renaming of this highway, we are keeping his memory alive and paying tribute to the ultimate sacrifice he made.”

“We will never forget the bravery Officer Shisler showed during his four years on Deptford’s police force and the impact he had on our community,” said Assemblyman William W. Spearman. “Whenever we drive on Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway, we’ll think of Officer Shisler. While his watch over our town may have ended this past May 7, we know that we will carry him in our collective hearts forever.”