Three troopers died in the line of duty in the past year, making it one of the worst in state police history, said Major Glen Szenzenstein.
WESTAMPTON TOWNSHIP -- New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen's death in the line of duty occurred 15 miles from Burlington County's border, but it didn't matter to the dozens of law enforcement officers who gathered at the county's township complex Wednesday morning.
Cullen, who was struck and killed on Route 295 in West Deptford while responding to a crash scene in March, is one of the county's own.
The 31-year-old started his career with the Burlington County Bridge Commission and served as a part-time officer in Mount Holly before he moved into a full-time job with Westampton's police department.
He fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a state trooper in 2014, and remained in Cinnaminson Township, where his parents emigrated from Dublin, Ireland, when Cullen was 3 years old.
"He was truly a son of Burlington County and truly a son of Burlington County law enforcement," said Pemberton Township Police Department Chief Dave Jantas during his remarks at the Burlington County Police Chiefs' Association's annual memorial service for fallen officers.
Jantas, president of the chiefs' association, said the service provides a moment to reflect on recent losses, like Cullen, and 14 others in the county dating as far back as 1907.
"The wounds still exist," Jantas said.
The past year, however, has been one of the darkest in the state for officer deaths, said keynote speaker Major Glen Szenzenstein, a deputy branch commander for the New Jersey State Police.
"Nothing prepares you for the call, realizing that one of your troopers has been involved in an accident and being told it doesn't look good," Szenzenstein said.
Trooper killed in crash was fulfilling 'ultimate dream'
It's been nearly a year since he and Lt. Col. Patrick Callahan parked on a dark, quiet street, then made the slow walk toward the home of 24-year-old Trooper Anthony Raspa's family to break the news that the 24-year-old had died from injuries he sustained in a Monmouth County crash.
"I was at a loss. I could not recall any background or training on how to handle this," Szenzenstein said. "This is one of the hardest things I've had to do, and I will never forget that moment."
Nearly seven months later, Trooper Eli McCarson, 30, was responding to a report of domestic violence in Salem County during heavy rains when he lost control of his patrol car and crashed into a utility pole. He died at a nearby hospital.
Cullen died just three months later. The three fatal crashes made up the "worst 10 months in the history of the New Jersey State Police," Szenzenstein said.
Cullen's death also shook the tight-knit Cinnaminson community, spurring numerous efforts to rally around his family. He left behind a now-11-month-old son, a fiancee who is expecting their second child, his parents, a sister and two brothers. His eldest brother also works as a state trooper.
Wednesday's ceremony serves as a reminder to the Cullens, as well the families of Raspa, McCarson and other slain officers that they can rely on the unwavering support of the entire law enforcement community.
"We are here to help them, give them strength and never forget the family," Szenzenstein said. "Our support and commitment to these families is eternal."
Cullen's fiance's response to the support and honor at Wednesday's ceremony was simple:
"We love honoring Sean."
Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find NJ.com on Facebook.