Two-Year Anniversary of Lakewood Officer's Death

Many in Ocean and Monmouth counties are excepted today to remember a local police officer – a hero and a friend to many – who died two years ago while serving his community.

Christopher Matlosz, a Lakewood police officer, was killed at age 27 during a Jan. 14, 2011, patrol. He was gunned down by Jahmell Crockam, then 19, who was eventually convicted in connection with the crime.

Matlosz was shot three times while seated in his patrol car, by Crockam, a Lakewood resident. Authorities searched for two days until the suspect was captured in a Camden apartment by a high-risk entry team.

The community has not forgotten Matlosz, as evidenced by the many honors and remembrances held for him in 2011 and 2012. Among them: In May, Matlosz' name was added to the police memorial monument at the Ocean County Police Academy in Lakewood and he was honored at a statewide law enforcement memorial in Ocean Grove. The Lakewood BlueClaws hosted a ceremony honoring the officer prior to one of their home games.

Matlosz' name was also added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.