Designates portion of State Highway Route No. 47 in Deptford Township as "Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway."
As part of the enactment, the bill explicitly states that no state or public funds will be utilized for the production, purchasing, or erection of signs that bear the designated name. Instead, the Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to accept financial contributions from private sources to cover these costs. This approach aims to honor Officer Shisler without draining public resources, ensuring that local governmental entities or taxpayers are not financially burdened by this memorial.
Bill A5518 is a legislative proposal that designates a portion of State Highway Route No. 47 in Deptford Township as the 'Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway.' This designation is in honor of Officer Robert J. Shisler, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 7, 2023, after sustaining gunshot wounds while performing a pedestrian stop. The bill reflects a gesture of recognition and respect towards Shisler's service and commitment to his community and the state of New Jersey.
The passage of A5518 is primarily a ceremonial act, intended to honor a fallen officer and foster community remembrance. There are no noted points of contention in the discussions surrounding the bill; however, similar bills may sometimes be accompanied by debates on the appropriateness of public versus private funding for memorials or the effectiveness of such honors in genuinely supporting law enforcement. This bill serves as an effective model for public acknowledgment of services rendered by individuals in law enforcement.
Officer Shisler's background is highlighted in the bill as a dedicated member of the Deptford Township Police Department who had served the community for four years. His story includes athletic achievements during his high school and collegiate years, underlining the impact he had on his peers. The legislation conveys that such memorials not only honor individual sacrifices but also serve to remind current and future officers of the risks associated with law enforcement duties.