Cop From Wayne Killed In Motorcycle Crash Had A Heart 'As Big As His Frame'

WAYNE, NJ — The Pompton Lakes Police sergeant who was killed when the Harley-Davidson he was driving hit a deer was remembered as a "devoted supervisor, husband, son, brother, and uncle" and a gentle giant "whose heart was as big as his frame."

"He was a devoted supervisor, husband, son, brother and uncle," a message on the Pompton Lakes Police Department's Facebook page stated. "The people of Pompton Lakes will remember him as a dedicated officer, but those who knew him best will remember him as so much more."

Sgt. Peter Kamper lived in Wayne and worked for the department since 2004. His father was a sergeant with the Wayne Police Department.

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Kamper served as the Junior Police Academy instructor and was the department's IT specialist.

"He was a jack-of-all-trades," Chief Moises Agosto told NJ.com. "He's going to be missed dearly."

Kamper's heart was almost too big for the 6-foot-6-inch frame. He was never concerned with praise or money.

"He was motivated by helping people and doing what he could to ease the burdens of others," the post stated. "Whether he was volunteering at the Special Olympics, the Junior Police Academy, or the holiday toy drive, he was someone that people enjoyed being around."

The department is "devastated and heartbroken" over Kamper's death, but the people there are blessed to have worked with him.

"We are better people for having known him and will surely never forget what he has done for each of us. His memory and his spirit will live on inside of us," the post stated. "He will be a part of this department from now until the end of time. Rest easy, Pete. We love you and will never forget you."

Kamper is survived by his wife, Christine, parents Wendy and Peter and brother Mike.

Funeral arrangements will be posted once they are available, the department said.

Several people and local police departments and police unions expressed their condolences to the department and Kamper's family online.

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Photo: Peter Kamper Jr. at a swearing-in ceremony./Courtesy of Pompton Lakes Police Department