NJ Police Officer, Veteran IDed As Man Killed In Morris Co. Crash

JEFFERSON, NJ — Fellow officers and loved ones are mourning a police officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who died over the weekend, after his vehicle crashed on a Morris County highway.

There has not been much information released yet about the single-vehicle crash, which happened around 1:25 p.m. Sunday in Jefferson Township. The incident occurred on Route 15 South close to mile marker 3.5, which is near the truck entrance for Picatinny Arsenal.

Officials and the Millburn Policemen's Benevolent Association, Local 34 identified the driver as Luke Lyons Jr., a police officer for Millburn Township. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Lyons, a Randolph resident, was 31 years old.

"Our brother was incredibly knowledgeable, selfless and dedicated to his community," the Millburn PBA said in a statement Monday. "We will never be able to fill this void."

After serving in the Marines, Lyons became a Picatinny Arsenal Police officer, said the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge at Picatinny. He worked there before joining Millburn PD.

"We will never forget your dedication and selfless service to our country," the Middle Forge Lodge 100 said in a social media post.

Lyons is survived by his wife of 11 years, Selvete, and children. A viewing and funeral are scheduled for later this week in Randolph, with burial in Kenilworth.

The PBA and local Superior Officers Association set up a GoFundMe to help Lyons' wife and children. Close to $50,000 had been raised as of 9:30 on Wednesday morning.

Lyons' fellow Millburn PBA officers remembered him as "a kind, giving, gentle soul with a smile and laugh that would brighten your day," and said his untimely death " leaves a void in the hearts of his brothers and sisters in blue that time will never heal."

A meal train has also been set up to assist Lyons' family.

Preliminary funeral and memorial arrangements are as follows, according to the Millburn PBA:

• Viewing: Friday, May 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Tuttle Funeral Home (272 Route 10, Randolph NJ)
• Funeral service: Saturday, May 25 at Tuttle Funeral Home (272 Route 10, Randolph NJ)
• Burial: Saturday, May 25 following the funeral at Graceland Memorial Park (1900 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth NJ)

Randolph PBA 403 and multiple other law enforcement organizations also mourned his passing, offering their prayers and support to Millburn PD and to his loved ones.

Click here to view the GoFundMe for the Lyons family.