TRENTON – A resolution sponsored by Senators Joseph V. Doria, Jr. and Bernard F. Kenny, Jr. that would rename the Lincoln Highway Bridge as the “Shawn Carson and Robert Nguyen Memorial Bridge” in honor of the two Jersey City police officers who died when their patrol car fell off the bridge last December was unanimously approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today.
“As we approach the first anniversary of the tragic accident that took the lives of Officers Carson and Nguyen, it’s time to celebrate the lives of these two selfless individuals who were taken from us before their time,” said Senator Doria, D-Hudson. “These two men died as they lived every day – working to serve and protect those in their community. There is no greater sacrifice.”
Shawn Carson was a 16-year veteran of the Department and a decorated officer who received two commendations, four Excellent Police Service Awards and a World Trade Center Award. Robert Nguyen had served with the Department for six years and had distinguished himself by receiving the World Trade Center Award, a unit citation as a member of the Special Investigations Unit and two Excellent Police Service Awards.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Carson and Nguyen families this holiday season,” added Senator Kenny, D-Hudson. “We hope this bridge will honor the memory of those who gave their lives to protect their neighbors and stand as a monument to the innumerable acts of heroism by New Jersey’s police officers that go unsung every single day.”
Police said, the two men, both members of the department’s elite Emergency Services Unit, were dispatched to the Lincoln Highway Bridge to alert motorists driving in the poor weather conditions that there were broken safety barriers on the bridge connecting Jersey City with Kearny. After setting up flares on the Kearny side of the bridge, they set to return to Jersey City when, without warning, the bridge was opened to allow a boat to pass, according to official reports. Officers Carson and Nguyen both died when their patrol car plunged into the Hackensack River below.
The resolution would also authorize the Department of Transportation to erect appropriate signs bearing the new name of the bridge.