'Spirit Ride' Honoring First Responders Killed In Highway Accidents Coming To Cinnaminson

CINNAMINSON, NJ — A countrywide procession of tow companies and emergency vehicles that honors the lives of first responders that have been lost in highway accidents will pass through Cinnaminson, Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield announced on Wednesday.

During the national Slow Down, Move Over campaign, the procession follows a custom designed casket that represents the lives of those who have been lost, such as State Trooper Sean Cullen. Cullen was killed in an accident on 295 in West Deptford last year. He was struck by a passing driver while responding to the scene of an accident and active fire.

New Jersey’s “Move Over Law” requires drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks and other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights to move over one lane. If it isn’t safe to move over, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit.

“If you make the move, others will follow,” Stanfield said. “We invite and encourage everyone to help us raise awareness for our first responder’s safety.”

The procession, known as the Spirit Ride, will pass through Burlington County on Friday, Oct. 20. It begins at 10 a.m. at BMS Towing located at 7 Elbow Lane Burlington Township and will proceed onto Route 541 towards Burlington City. From there it will travel onto Route 130 South into Delran Township.

It will then turn right onto Delran Parkway where it will go under an American Flag suspended across the roadway. A dedication ceremony will take place at Cinnaminson Fire Department Station 202 located at 1900 Taylors Lane at 11 a.m.

Following the ceremony, the casket will be transferred from the BMS truck to Lenny’s truck for the journey to the Tacony Palmyra Bridge. Once across the bridge it will drive through Philadelphia to EVB Towing in Conshohocken, PA.

“We are honored to take part in this nationwide effort that will be passing through Burlington County on Friday, October 20,” Stanfield said. “The Spirit Ride is designed to raise awareness on Move Over laws and the needless sacrifices towers and other first responders make in serving the motoring public and transportation industry.”

As of Wednesday, over 300 towing companies have signed up to carry the "Spirit" by car carrier as towers continue to volunteer to participate and also lend their ideas to the project, according to the sheriff's department.

The ride is sponsored nationally by the American Towman Association. In addition to BMS Towing, the sheriff’s department is partnering with Lenny’s Towing and Truck Service in the local effort.

“We hope this effort serves as a reminder for drivers to be more aware of any emergency vehicles on the side of the road,” Stanfield said.

More information can be found on the Spirit Ride Facebook page and online at www.atspiritride.com. For additional information, contact the sheriff’s department at 609- 265-3788.

The attached image of Sean Cullen was provided by New Jersey State Police