Family, Troopers Mourn Passing Of Sgt. Dwight Payne, March 15

WOODBINE–Family, friends and colleagues spent Monday, mourning the sudden,
unexpected passing of Sgt. Dwight L. Payne, a New Jersey State Trooper who
served at the Woodbine station on March 15.
He was remembered as a person whose genuine personality left a lasting
impression on many who knew him.
According to family friends, Payne was admitted into Shore Memorial Hospital
last week for complications for a common digestive disease, diverticulitis.
Payne became a trooper in April 1995 as part of the 115th State Police
class. His previous assignments included Bridgeton, Port Norris, Bellmawr,
Atlantic City Expressway, Tactical Patrol Unit, Field Operations in West
Trenton Headquarters, and Bass River Station on the Garden State Parkway.
Payne was transferred to Woodbine station in the spring of 2008. He was a
patrol supervisor with additional duties of media coordinator and municipal
liaison.
Borough resident Jeff Doran, a retired Brigantine Police Department captain,
who currently serves as one of three deputy emergency management
coordinators here. He met Payne in the summer of 2008 at a public safety
meeting.
When I first met Dwight, my impression from the way this man carried
himself in public, adjusted his uniform and cover, you had no doubt you were
dealing with one squared away trooper, said Doran.
Sgt. Payne possessed the rare gift and personality that allowed him to look
you straight in the eye, and listen to you with a sincere empathy and smile.
I always looked forward to meeting with him, he added.
Doran described his relationship with Payne as a retired cop-to cop
relationship.
I enjoyed hearing him tell of how he would give counsel to his new
troopers, as they would cut their teeth on learning “the road” at the
Woodbine station, said Doran.
As many did, Doran took the news of Payne’s death with shock, he reflected
on his experience knowing him. “I had the privilege to know him, just a short
time and it was an honor. Dwight was a consummate professional, and
dedicated public servant. Our community and the State Police have lost one
of its most honorable members. May God bless him and his family and loved
ones, who have every reason to be so proud.”
Woodbine Councilman Clarence Ryan, fondly remembered Payne as very dedicated
and enthusiastic.
“He attended all of our council meeting’s, but there was something special
about Sgt. Payne. He set the bar a little higher, he had a genuine concern
for our community and felt he could felt he could make a difference,” Ryan
added.
Ryan, also the borough’s fire chief, remembered seeing Payne at accident and
fire scenes.
“Even on the street he always had that little bit of extra dedication that
set him apart. I certainly know all the people he interacted with will miss
him. Payne was a class act and he will be difficult to replace,” said Ryan.
The dedication of Payne and the legacy of his larger then life personality
were admired by many members of the community.
Payne was well known and respected through the ranks of the State Police
from the new troopers to the colonel.
“Dwight had extraordinary energy and devotion related to anything State
Police. We are as proud of him as he was of “The Outfit”, we will miss him
greatly” said Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent.
Fuentes met with Payne’s wife, Linda Payne and family in Sea Isle City on
Monday, according to family.
Contact Scheeler at 609-404-6515 or hscheeler@cmcherald.com