Legislation Honors Trooper Frankie L. Williams
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew that would designate a portion of State Highway Route 55 as the “State Trooper Frankie L. Williams Memorial Highway” in honor of State Trooper Frankie Williams, who was killed in a traffic accident in the line of duty, cleared the Senate Transportation Committee today.
“Williams was a dedicated member of the State Police and a loving son, who did his job to the best of his ability,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic). “Trooper Williams made a selfless commitment to serve the residents of this state. His passing is a heartbreaking loss and a reminder of the very real risks that all those in uniform face on the job. It also reminds us of the incredible sacrifice made by the families of those who commit their lives to law enforcement. This designation will serve as a tribute to Williams’ commitment to service, which was an inspiration to so many in our state.”
The bill, S-2986, provides that the Commissioner of Transportation shall designate the portion of State Highway Route 55, extending from milepost 20.0 to milepost 23.0, as the “State Trooper Frankie L. Williams Memorial Highway” and erect appropriate signs bearing this designation and dedication. No other public funds will be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation for the “State Trooper Frankie L. Williams Memorial Highway.”
On December 5, 2016, Williams tragically lost his life in a motor vehicle accident on State Route 55 near milepost 22.2 in Millville, New Jersey, while on duty responding to an incident.
Williams was an extraordinary public servant whose service to the Division of State Police (State Police) was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty, and faithful and honorable devotion to the principles of the State Police.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey and raised in Lakeland, Florida, State Trooper Williams attended George Jenkins High School in Lakeland, Florida. After graduating from high school in 2003, State Trooper Williams returned to Atlantic County, where he lived as a resident of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey and furthered his education.
Williams earned an associate’s degree from Atlantic Cape Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and was working towards a master’s degree in Criminal Justice at Rutgers, pursuing academic research in the area of cyber-crime and cyber-crime victimization. An honorable and courageous man who enjoyed serving others and desired to serve the State, State Trooper Williams earned a place in the 156th class of the New Jersey State Police Academy.
Williams graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy on January 29, 2016, and was assigned to Troop “A” in the Woodstown Station, where he served until being transferred to the Port Norris Station. Williams was hailed as a leader and role model by his colleagues for his good judgment and thoughtful approach.
The bill cleared the committee 5-0, and it will next head to the full Senate.