Lakewood Remembers A Fallen Hero [VIDEO]

Lakewood Police remembered officer Christopher Matlosz a year after her was gunned down during a routine traffic stop.

PBA Local #71 hosted “A Night Of Remembrance” candlelight vigil in Lakewood’s Red Square in at the corner of Clifton and Third street in Lakewood followed by a short ceremony inside the courtroom.

According to the Asbury Park Press over 500 people turned out for the vigil. “Although the weather might be cold, the warmth of our hearts are united as we stand here tonight to perpeturate the memory and legacy of Chris Matlosz of the Lakewood Police Department,” said Mayor Menashe Miller.

The vigil began with a parade of emergency vehicles according to the Press which ended at Matlosz Way, the section of Third Street at the entrance to the Police Department that was named for the slain officer in the month following his death. Many of Matlosz's friends and family addresses the crowd.

A bronze plaque bearing Matlosz’s likeness was unveiled that will be placed on a memorial wall inside the foyer of police headquarters, next to the watch commander’s office.

Meanwhile, jury selection is set to begin in Toms River Tuesday for the trial of Jahmell Crockam of Lakewood, the suspect being held in Matlosz’s murder.

The 27-year-old from Manchester died a year ago Saturday. from three close-range gunshots – the first officer to die in the line of duty in Ocean County history.

Video courtesy Lakewood Local