Atlantic Cape, Rutgers University Host Dedication in Memory of NJ State Trooper

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College and Rutgers University hosted a dedication in memory of New Jersey State Trooper Frankie L. Williams on Fri., Sept. 15, at the Rutgers Building located at Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing Campus.
Rutgers University and Atlantic Cape dedicated a tree, plaque and street sign in honor of lifelong learner and New Jersey State Police Trooper #7953 Frankie Williams. Speakers included Mr. Dean Wyks, assistant professor of Criminal Justice at Atlantic Cape and adjunct instructor at Rutgers; Dr. Barbara Gaba, president of Atlantic Cape; Dr. Michael Palis, provost at Rutgers University-Camden; Lt. Colonel Patrick Callahan, deputy superintendent of operation, New Jersey State Police; Trooper II Michael L. Korejko, New Jersey State Police #7222; and Dave Coskey, chairman, Board of Trustees at Atlantic Cape.
Dave Coskey presented Trooper Williams’ mother, Victoria, with a plaque showcasing the resolution in honor of Trooper Williams passed by the Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees at their July meeting. The resolution highlighted the street dedication at the intersection of Tuckahoe Road and T Building that heads due south terminating at Building Q-Rutgers Building at Atlantic Cape as Frankie Williams Way, as well as the tree planted in his memory at the Rutgers Building. The resolution also stated, “Trooper Williams was the epitome of student success; he dreamed big, worked hard and achieved his dream job at the age of 30.”
Wyks, of Upper Township, said, “Not only will this memorial serve its primary purposes of allowing Frankie’s example to inspire future generations of students, I think it can also serve a second purpose. In higher education there is a national movement known as Achieving the Dream. This effort’s mission is to foster initiatives by colleges and universities that focus on the role these institutions play in helping their students achieve success. So this second purpose is to serve as a reminder to administrators and educators of their obligations to their students, and inspire them to do their utmost in helping all students achieve their dreams–assuring that there will be many future Frankie Williams, who will aspire to make our world a better place, just like our Frankie did.”
Williams graduated with an Associate in Science in General Studies in 2009. He discovered his passion for law enforcement during an elective Intro to Criminology course, and transferred to Rutgers at Atlantic Cape, where he earned a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. He motivated many at the college with his passion and focus on his education and career.
This past May, Rutgers University-Camden posthumously awarded Mr. Williams his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.