MILLVILLE – New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Trooper Frankie Williams was killed Dec. 5 in an on-duty crash on Route 55 in Millville, according to a post on NJSP’s Facebook page.
Lloyd Rudley, 61, of Elmer, was also killed in the crash.
Police said at 6:59 p.m., in the area of milepost 22.2, Rudley, traveling southbound in his Toyota Corolla, crossed the grass median, entered the northbound lanes, and struck the marked troop car head-on. Williams was traveling northbound responding to a call for service.
Rudley’s car matched witness descriptions of a vehicle that was driving erratically in the area. Williams was responding to the erratic driver complaint at the time of the crash.
Williams, 31, of Atlantic County, was a member of the 156th State Police Class, which graduated Jan. 29. He was assigned to Port Norris Station.
Colonel Rick Fuentes, superintendent of NJSP, released the following statement on NJSP’s Facebook page Dec. 6:
“Last night, the New Jersey State Police suffered a terrible loss. Trooper Frankie Williams was one of our best and brightest young troopers. His tragic death has left the entire State Police family heartbroken.
“The Division lost an exemplary young trooper with the promise of a great career. A family lost an only child, a wife lost a husband, and New Jersey lost a leader and a role model.
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello, in a release, announced that on Dec. 6 the City of North Wildwood will lower all American flags to half-staff, in honor of Williams.
Rosenello stated, “I am deeply saddened over the death of NJ State Trooper Frankie Williams, and I want to make sure that he is honored properly, as we in North Wildwood stand here today in support and solidarity with the New Jersey State Police, and Trooper Williams’ family and friends.”
Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) released the following statement:
“This is a sad day for the state of New Jersey. Trooper Williams was a recent graduate of the police academy who made a selfless commitment to serve the residents of this state. His passing is a heartbreaking loss and a reminder of the very real risks that all those in uniform face on the job. It also reminds us of the incredible sacrifice made by the families of those who dedicate their lives to serving in law enforcement.
“On behalf of myself and my legislative colleagues, Assemblymen Bruce Land and Bob Andrzejczak, I offer my sincere condolences to his family members, friends and to his law enforcement colleagues during this very difficult time.”
