COURT HOUSE — “Words cannot describe the loss and shock that we all feel,” said Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner, after learning of the identification of the body of Patrolman Jason Sill.
Sill, 39, was reported missing after his boat was found unoccupied a mile off the coast of Wildwood Mon., Aug. 27. His body was identified Tue., Sept. 4 via autopsy after it was found six miles off the city’s beach.
“The Sill family and the Middle Township Police Department family are grieving the loss of Ptlm. Jason Sill,” said Leusner in a statement. “As we begin the long process of healing, we will focus our efforts on supporting Jason’s widow, Madonna, and the entire Sill family through this difficult time. The loss of Ptlm. Sill is not only a loss to his family and the police department family, but a loss to our community.”
“On behalf of Deputy Mayor Timothy Donohue, Committeewoman Susan DeLanzo and all the residents of Middle Township, I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to Officer Jason Sill’s widow, Madonna, his daughter, Alexis, his parents, Patricia and Charles and all the Sill family,” said Mayor Daniel Lockwood in a statement.
Leusner said, “Although Jason’s time with us was too short, he affected a tremendous amount of people in his life. Jason made a choice to serve others and he made a positive impact on his community. Jason served the residents of Middle Township for approximately 13 years. There are many examples of Jason’s actions as a police officer in difficult circumstances that made this community safer and specifically actions that saved the lives of others.”
According to Leusner, during Sill’s tenure as a police officer, he saved the lives of two people. Once by jumping into the bay to save the driver of a submerged vehicle and by res-cuing an elderly citizen from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Jason stood ready to protect others and never failed to rise up to the immediate challenge facing him to save another person,” said Leusner. “Jason will be greatly missed.”
“I want to commend the men and women of the Middle Township police department,” said Lockwood. “From Chief Leusner on down through the whole department, these men and women have been focused on a mission of honor this past week, to bring their brother, Jason Sill, home.”
Lockwood added, “Our duty now is to assure that Officer Jason Sill is properly honored and remembered.”
Avalon – This economy is tough for everyone. Think I might have to sell my beach house! A good problem, but still forced.
