Berkeley Police Mourn ‘Sudden’ Death Of Sergeant, Former Marine

BERKELEY, NJ - Local authorities announced the “sudden” death of a longtime Berkeley police law enforcement officer and former U.S. Marine.

The Berkeley Township Police Department announced the death of Sergeant William Cullen, a 22-year member of the department, in a Friday morning statement via social media.

“We will never forget his sense of humor, steadfast dedication to duty and his caring nature,” the department said.

Throughout his tenure with Berkeley police, Cullen served in the Patrol Division and the Detective Bureau. Cullen’s duties included general investigations, property and evidence, and Megan's Law, roles which brought out his “tenacity, his compassion and was known and respected statewide for his investigative prowess,” Berkeley police said.

Cullen was promoted to Patrol Supervisor in 2015, where he was able to use years of experience to mentor younger officers, Berkeley police said.

“Sgt. Cullen was a mentor to many and friend to all who knew him. We are devastated by the loss of this great officer,” the department added.

Law enforcement and EMS agencies across the Garden State, from Roselle Park to Beach Haven, offered condolences to the Cullen family and Berkeley police over the weekend.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Berkeley PD as they mourn the sudden loss of Sergeant Cullen," Barnegat police wrote in a statement Saturday. "RIP."