Ocean County Sheriff's Officer Receives Final Salute: Photos

BRICK, NJ — Law enforcement from around Ocean County paid tribute to Ocean County Sheriff's Officer Brian D. Stockhoff for his funeral Saturday.

Officers stood watch silently outside Colonial Funeral Home as Stockhoff's casket was slid into the hearse, then they followed in a long processional — motorcycle officers and K-9 vehicles, cars representing every department in Ocean County and several from other counties, including the Union County and Monmouth County sheriff's departments.

At Ocean County Park, mounted officers from the New Jersey State Police provided an escort, honoring Stockhoff's role as the person who started the mounted unit at the Ocean County Sheriff's Department.

Stockhoff, 41, died Feb. 14 in a crash on Shorrock Street in Lakewood.

In front of the Ocean County Police Academy, the officers stood at attention as Kianti was led past his coffin and mourners, Stockhoff's Ocean County Sheriff's Department saddle pad and saddle secured, his boots reversed in the stirrups, the symbolism for a fallen rider.

Prayers were offered to comfort Stockhoff's family and many friends in attendance, but it was Stockhoff's daughter, Madison, who urged them to remember her father in all the happy times they shared with him.

"He made us laugh," she said, standing on a stepstool behind the lectern, with her mother, Heather, providing support as her brother, Brody, listened nearby. "He gave us these amazing memories.

"If you're worried you will forget him, you won't because the amazing memories are still in our hearts," she said. "When you're sad, think about those amazing memories. It's what my dad would have wanted."

Stockhoff's father, Robert, thanked those in attendance for the support they have given the family.

"We wanted you to know how much your presence means," he said, adding it has made the days since his son's death easier to bear.

Sheriff Michael Mastronardy presented the flag from Stockhoff's casket to Heather and her children following a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps." A New Jersey State Police helicopter provided a flyover to salute Stockhoff, before a final radio call honoring his service and announcing his badge number, 143, will be retired.

"You will be missed and never forgotten," the radio call said. "End of watch, February 14, 2022. We have the watch from here."

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