Patrolman Jay Marles' Death Left A Hole In The Hearts Of Many

OCEAN GATE, NJ - It's been seven years since Ocean Gate Patrolman Jay Marles finished up his last shift - a special drunk driver overtime assignment.

Then he headed home to Point Pleasant on the Garden State Parkway. He was only 32 that dark night he died, ironically the victim of a drunk driver, who now sits in state prison.

And Ocean Gate and many others in surrounding towns have never forgotten the popular young officer who wore badge number 271. His two young children are growing up without him.

"Jason was killed by an impaired driver who only thought of himself on that tragic morning," a post on the Beachwood Police Department's Facebook page states. "Jason “ Motown “ had just finished his DWI overtime detail and was in uniform on his way home when he was struck and killed. In a flash of headlights his life was lost. It makes us angry that his death was absolutely preventable! Don’t let another loved one get the call that this family did on Thanksgiving. Life is a gift and in a flash it could be all a memory."

Ocean Gate held a vigil in Jay's honor for several years after his death. An Ocean Gate police cruiser was prominently displayed in front of Borough Hall every November. Ocean Gate named a street after him and a playground.

Rest in peace, Jay Marles. Thank you for your service.

Photos: Ocean Gate Police Department