Route 195 In Howell Renamed To Honor Trooper Castellano

HOWELL, NJ — Motorists who drive along Route 195 through Howell will be reminded of the sacrifice of New Jersey State Trooper Marc K. Castellano, after that stretch of the highway was officially named in his honor on Thursday.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed A3749 into law designating the Howell portion of Route 195 as "State Trooper Marc K. Castellano Memorial Highway."

Castellano, a graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, lived in Howell with his wife and two children. He was part of a large group of law enforcement conducting a search in the area following a chase on the Garden State Parkway on June 6, 2010, when he was hit while he was on the shoulder of Route 195. He died later of his injuries.

"Committed to the service of others, Marc perfectly exemplified our New Jersey values; he was courageous, selfless and a true patriot," Murphy said as he signed the law. "The loss of Trooper Castellano is yet another reminder of the bravery our law enforcement officers demonstrate each and every day, and this commemoration will ensure that Trooper Castellano’s sacrifice to give his life while protecting the public will never be forgotten."

"Trooper Marc Castellano earned the admiration of his peers and loved ones through his dedication to serving and protecting the citizens of New Jersey," said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. "Although Marc was tragically killed in the performance of his duties and will never be forgotten, now there is a permanent tribute to honor and remember his sacrifice."

Castellano was a graduate of the 136th class of the New Jersey State Police Academy and was assigned to Troop C, where he served on the Tactical Patrol Unit.

His mother, Donna Setaro, has spent the eight years since his death giving presentations on New Jersey's Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when they approach an area where law enforcement or emergency personnel are operating.

As of March 2018, she has given the presentation to more than 100,000 people, with a particular emphasis on young drivers. (READ MORE: Trooper's Mom Reaches Move Over Milestone At Howell Presentation)

"If I get through to just one person and save one life, then this campaign was worth it," Setaro said in March as she marked the 100,000 milestone.

"Trooper Marc Castellano was a dedicated public servant who gave his life while trying to keep the people of New Jersey safe," said Sen. Robert Singer, who represents Jackson and Howell in the 30th District. "The signing of this new law to rename a portion of I-195 in his honor will ensure that his sacrifice is never forgotten."

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Trooper Marc K. Castellano, Photo via New Jersey State Police