Acting Gov. Tahesha Way has designated a portion of Route No. 47 as Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway, to honor the fallen Deptford officer who died in May after being shot in the line of duty.
The highway will extend from mile post 68.18 to 73.93 on Route 47.
Shisler grew up in Deptford and played baseball and football for Deptford High School. Following a stint as a Division 1 baseball player for Presbyterian College, he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a police officer and spent four years in the township before his death.
“I am honored to designate Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway in recognition of Officer Robert Shisler’s incredible life of public servitude,” said Way. “When a member of our law enforcement is killed while fulfilling their duty to protect and serve, it is a loss mourned by the entire state.
“This designation will ensure that Officer Shisler’s bravery and sacrifice will be forever remembered and recognized by New Jerseyans.”
Legislation to rename the highway for Shisler was sponsored by state senators Fred Madden Jr. and Nilsa Cruz-Perez, and assemblymembers William Moen Jr., Paul Moriarty, and Willliam Spearman.
“There is nothing we can do to match the courage and dedication of Officer Robert “Bobby” Shisler, but this is one way to honor his legacy, distinguished service, and personal sacrifice,” Madden noted.
“May we cherish his memory always.”
“Now we have a permanent way to remember and honor Officer Shisler,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez. “We will never forget his dedication, and the extreme sacrifice he made keeping our community safe.”
“We will never forget the bravery Officer Shisler showed during his four years on Deptford’s police force and the impact he had on our community,” said Spearman. “Whenever we drive on Officer Robert J. Shisler Memorial Highway, we’ll think of Officer Shisler.
“While his watch over our town may have ended this past May 7, we know that we will carry him in our collective hearts forever.”
