Fallen Officer Bobby Shisler May Get NJ Highway In His Name

DEPTFORD, NJ — Even those just passing through Deptford will know Bobby Shisler's name under a highway-renaming bill that swept through the State Legislature.

A nearly 6-mile portion of Route 47 would become "Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway" upon passage. The bill received all "yes" votes from the State Senate and Assembly in June and only needs Gov. Phil Murphy's signature to become law.

The Deptford police officer died May 7 — two months after he was shot on duty during an encounter that also resulted in a civilian's death that day. Communities throughout New Jersey rallied around Shisler, 27, during his fight to recover and then united to mourn his loss.

Under the state legislation, a portion of the highway in Deptford Township — milepost 68.18 to 73.93 — would get designated in Shisler's honor. The state would erect signage displaying the dedication to the fallen officer.

Although the legislation would immediately take effect upon passage, it's uncertain when officials would install signs honoring Shisler. The bill allows the New Jersey Department of Transportation's commissioner to seek funding or re-imbursement for the endeavor through private resources. However, no public funds will support the effort.

The Deptford Township Police Department expressed gratitude for the bill, sharing a video of Assembly Deputy Majority Leader William F. Moen Jr. — one of the measure's primary sponsors — discussing the bill in the Assembly.

"Tears were brought to our eyes when we first heard of the gesture and we know Bobby’s memory will never fade!" the police agency said on social media. "It’s been just over 2 months since we've lost our friend and colleague. The pain still stings, but the outpouring of support has been what gets us through these difficult times. We love you all more than words can describe!"

Shisler grew up in the community he served, graduating from Deptford High School in 2014. He attended Presbyterian College in South Carolina, where he played Division I baseball, before returning to Deptford and fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer in his hometown.

"Officer Shisler dedicated his life to the service of the residents of Deptford Township," Police Chief Joseph Smith said after Shisler's death. "He helped ensure the safety of our community where he was born, raised, lived, and worked."