Office of the Governor
DiFransesco Honors Families
of Slain Law Enforcement Officers
Signs Bill Creating Scholarship Fund for
Children of Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco today signed legislation authorizing state license plates to raise college scholarship funds for the children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The bill signing followed a Blue Mass memorial service at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Trenton in honor of these fallen heroes.
"This license plate-the first in the nation to recognize law enforcement - will pay tribute to those who died in the line of duty and remind us that public safety carries a high price. It is great relief for the families of college-bound children, but it's also a quiet tribute and a daily reminder," remarked DiFrancesco.
"The scholarships will go a long way to relieve the pressure on families who have already sacrificed so much," continued DiFrancesco.
The proceeds from the sale of the newly created license plates, which carry an additional $50 application fee, will be used for college scholarships for the children of state and local police, correctional officers and federal law enforcement officers provided the students are enrolled in a New Jersey college or university. The State Police Benevolent Association (PBA), State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc. will jointly contribute $50,000 to offset the initial costs of producing the plates.
The Acting Governor recognized Maureen King and Lieutenant Jim Wan Etten of the Belmar Police Department for their efforts in support of the law-enforcement plates. Mrs. King championed the bill in honor of her late husband, Long Branch Sergeant Patrick King, who was killed in the line of duty.
The legislation, S-165, was sponsored by Senators Joe Palaia (R-Monmouth) and John Matheussen (R-Camden/Gloucester), and Assemblymen Steve Corodemus (R-Monmouth) and Guy Talarico (R-Bergen). It was also supported by the New Jersey PBA and FOP, in addition to two associations comprised of survivors of those killed in the line of duty -- Garden State COPS and Survivors of the Triangle.
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