Flags at half-staff over the Statehouse in honor of State Police Trooper
Flags at half-staff over the Statehouse in honor of State Police Trooper (Governor's Office)
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Flags are flying at half-staff as New Jersey State Police lay officer Sean Cullen to rest — and he is being remembered with a sea of blue in his adopted hometown.

Members an effort known as Operation Blue Ribbon sold blue ribbons at the ShopRite supermarket in Cinnaminson on Saturday in an effort to remember the Ireland-born officer, who was killed in the line of duty as he stood along Route 295 while responding to an accident and car fire. Despite the rain, hundreds of police officer will attend Cullen's funeral at Saint Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Cinnaminson, scheduled for noon on Monday. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno will attend the funeral.

Organizer Kelly Huber on her Facebook page said people made their own ribbons as they waited in line, and that both the Cullen and McCormick families were overwhelmed and thankful for the effort.

"I need to thank everyone for all your help in making this fundraiser so successful. It was more than just selling bows so we could all have blue bows. It was our town coming together to support one of own heroes, lost tragically, way too early! It was our town coming together to show love and support to a family that is facing the worst time in their life," Huber wrote.

Other efforts to help Cullen's loved ones are ongoing as well. The Trooper Sean Cullen Memorial Fund GoFundMe donation page has raised more than $134,000 as of Monday morning for Cullen's fiancee Aryn and their children.

"Our hopes were to aid in expenses for the family, but with your overwhelming support there is security for their future that will honor Sean's service, character, and memory," fund organizer Denise Barron wrote.

In Cullen's obituary, family members have also suggested donations to the Burlington County Animal Shelter, at 35 Academy Road, Westampton. The shelter has a donation wish list online.

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