By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
The sudden passing of Sgt. Frederick Robert Wacker III, 43, left members of the Hillsborough community in shock over the weekend, as family members and colleagues come to terms with their loss.
Police officials said Sgt. Wacker had been with the Hillsborough Police Department for 18 years when he passed away on Saturday, Nov. 19.
“Our community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sgt. Fred Wacker,” Mayor Frank DelCore said. “He was a dedicated public servant and a longtime outstanding member of our Hillsborough Police Department. He will truly be missed.”
According to the Hillsborough Township Policemen’s Benevolent Association No. 205, Sgt. Wacker passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Prior to joining the police force, Sgt. Wacker received his bachelor’s degree at St. John’s University and his master’s degree at Boston University.
Hillsborough Police Chief Darren Powell said the department was still reeling from the news more than a week after his passing.
“Obviously, it’s a tremendous loss over here. We consider ourselves a family and we just lost a family member,” Chief Powell said.
During his time on the force, officials said the Montgomery resident had served many roles within the department. Given his specialization in the investigation of traffic accidents, he was a long-serving member of the Somerset County Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Team and the supervisor of the township’s Traffic Bureau. He was also a member of the Traffic Officers Association of Central and West Jersey.
According to police officials, Sgt. Wacker received 14 commendations over the years, including an award for his role in the apprehension of armed homicide suspects. He also received 34 letters of gratitude from members of the public.
“(Sgt. Wacker) was a long-time professional, polite and conscientious police officer,” Chief Powell said. “It’s a tragic loss for he department, both from a professional standpoint and our personal relationships with Fred.”
Sgt. Wacker is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jennifer (nee Garthwaite), his sons Jeremy and Dominic, his parents Frederick and Deborah Wacker Jr., of Roselle Park, his paternal grandmother Josephine Wacker, of Forked River, and his maternal grandmother Grace LaMonaco, of Roselle Park.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Jenn, and his two boys,” the mayor said.
Officials thanked the police departments of Franklin Township, Manville Borough and Montgomery Township, as well as all of the Hillsborough Fire Departments, Rescue Squad and the Office of Emergency Management, who all assisted the township as they dealt with the sergeant’s passing.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held in Sgt. Wacker’s honor on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Skillman. He was later buried at Rocky Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hillsborough PBA 205 to be used for the education of Fred’s sons, Jeremy and Dominic.
