NJ State Police Sergeant Who Died After Work Injury Remembered

HOWELL, NJ — Funeral services have been set for a New Jersey State Police sergeant from Howell who died from a work-related injury and was being remembered as devoted to his family and his community.

Sgt. First Class Sean W. Acker died Wednesday, Acting New Jersey State Police Superintendent Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz said. He was 48 years old.

"Sean was defined by his loyalty, quiet strength, and sense of humor," his family said in his obituary on the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home website. "He was a devoted husband, a loving and dedicated father, a steadfast son, brother, uncle and a loyal friend who could always be counted on."

Acker, who was born in Abington, Pennsylvania, moved to Howell as a child with his family and grew up there, playing sports and building close friendships.

He served in the U.S. Air Force, enlisting in 1998 and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He was one of the first members of the Air Force Phoenix Ravens, who are specially trained security forces personnel dedicated to providing security for Air Mobility Command aircraft that transit high terrorist and criminal threat areas, according to the unit.

"As one of the original Ravens, he formed lifelong friendships and demonstrated the discipline, leadership, and resilience that would guide him throughout a lifetime of service," his family said.

Acker retired from the Air Force and joined the New Jersey State Police in 2006, which is where he met his wife, Lisa, a now-retired captain in the NJ State Police.

"At that time, Lisa was serving as one of his instructors, already five years into her own distinguished career," a biography on Acker on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation website said. They met again a year later at an event and "from that moment forward, they built a life together rooted in love, partnership, and mutual respect."

The couple has two children, Connor and Samantha, "who were the greatest joys of Sean's life and the center of his world," the foundation bio said.

Acker served as an instructor at the State Police Academy and "helped train, mentor, and shape hundreds of Troopers, leaving a lasting impact on generations of law enforcement," the Troopers United Foundation Inc. said in a tribute. "His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the Troopers he guided, and the family he loved so deeply."

Outside of his service in the military and State Police, Acker was committed to his community.

Howell Central Little League paid tribute to him, noting Acker not only played for the Little League but later coached in the league, leaving his mark in both capacities.

"Sean and his brothers grew up playing baseball at HCLL, highlighted by Sean being a member of our 1992 Senior Division team which won both the NJ State and Eastern Regional championships," Howell Central Little League officials said. "Sean later came back into the Howell Central mix 10-plus years ago when his son Connor started in Tball. He was a regular volunteer, helping coach most years, someone we could rely on."

"As a coach Sean was tough, but fair. He managed to keep the players loose, and the kids really loved playing for his teams," the Little League tribute said, adding Acker and his son "won a few championships along the way, punctuated by them sharing the dugout and helping to lead our Junior division team to the District 11 championship."

"The Howell Central Board extends our sincere condolences to Lisa, Connor and Sammy, as well as the entire extended Acker family. We're certain everyone who got lucky enough to cross paths with Sean at the complex or elsewhere was impacted upon learning of his passing," the Little League said.

Acker had been the head instructor for the physical training unit at the State Police Academy, where he ran the recruits anywhere from 5 to 10 miles per day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation wrote. The impact of running on his hips eventually caused him to need a double hip replacement.

Acker was ready to go back to full duty when additional issues prompted another surgery and Acker went into cardiac arrest caused by a blood clot that formed, which led to a pulmonary embolism, the foundation said. "Because his heart stopped for a long period of time, Acker sustained a traumatic brain injury."

He spent the rest of his life fighting to recover, and faced his situation with remarkable courage, determination, and toughness," his family said. "He fought with the same strength and resilience that defined every chapter of his life, never allowing his circumstances to diminish his love for his family or his concern for others. Throughout this journey, he remained humble, grateful, and steadfast, drawing strength from those around him."

"Sean would be deeply humbled by the extraordinary outpouring of love, support, and compassion shown by his friends, family, and the community," his obituary said. "The kindness extended to his family, the countless messages, prayers, and acts of support reflect the profound impact he had on so many lives and stand as a testament to the man he was."

"He served with integrity, strength, and compassion, guided by a deep belief in being part of something greater than himself, both in uniform and at home," the Tunnel to Towers Foundation biography said.

"His legacy is reflected not only in his professional accomplishments, but in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and sincere care for others," his family wrote.

Visitation is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road in Freehold Township, and the funeral Mass is set for 11:30 a.m. Monday at St. Veronica Roman Catholic Church, 4215 Route 9 North in Howell, according to the funeral home.

The funeral Mass will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person, according to his obituary.

The family asked for donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in lieu of flowers.