Crime & Safety

NJ Police Mourn Sudden Death of Longtime Officer In Mercer County

Lt. Mark Horan served the Hamilton Township Police Division for over 20 years. He was 52.

Lt. Mark Horan served the Hamilton Township Police Division for over 30 years.
Lt. Mark Horan served the Hamilton Township Police Division for over 30 years. (Hamilton Township Police Division )

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The Hamilton Township Police Division is mourning the loss of Lt. Mark Horan, who died Saturday. Horan died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said. He was 52.

Hamilton Police Chief James M Stevens described Horan as a “devoted husband and father of five” who was an exemplary police officer.

“Lieutenant Mark Horan was an exemplary police officer throughout his career. He was well-liked and respected by all. He will be greatly missed,” Stevens said.

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Horan joined Hamilton Police in 1998 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In March 2009, he was assigned to the Hamilton Police Anti-Crime Unit. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2010 and lieutenant in 2017.

Throughout his career, Horan received numerous valor awards, Stevens said.

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“The family requests privacy during this difficult time,” Stevens said. “I would like to thank all of the outside agencies that have given us assistance through this difficult time.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in crisis or emotional distress. Text NJ to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support. COP 2 COP is a free and confidential 24-hour telephone HelpLine. It is available exclusively for law enforcement officers and their families to help deal with personal or job-related stress and behavioral healthcare issues: 1-866-COP-2COP, 1-866-267-2267.


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