LAKEWOOD, NJ - The Lakewood Police Department on Thursday marked the 19th anniversary of Officer William "Nichie" Preslar's death in the line of duty.
Preslar, badge No. 270, was killed on May 14, 2007, when his patrol car struck a tree on an isolated stretch of Route 528 at approximately 4 a.m., according to Lakewood Police. He had swerved to avoid a deer in the road. He had served the department for six years.
"Nichie will always be remembered for the dedication he showed to this department, the pride he took in serving others, and the mark he left on his fellow officers and the community," the department said in a statement.
The department said it continues to stand with Preslar's family and loved ones and carries his memory forward through its work.
"His legacy lives on through the work we do and the community he helped protect," the statement read.
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