Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, an eight-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, tragically died during training for the elite TEAMS unit at NJSP headquarters in Ewing. Despite efforts to revive him, Bethea was found in the division’s swimming pool and was unable to be saved. His dedication to serving the citizens of New Jersey exemplified the core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity, as shared by the NJSP on social media. The TEAMS unit is a full-time, 24-hour emergency response team prepared to handle extraordinary police emergencies, with an intense training regimen focusing on various disciplines.
Members of the TEAMS unit must undergo a rigorous selection process that includes a physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview, and successful completion of the physically and mentally demanding underwater recovery course. Governor Phil Murphy expressed his sadness over Bethea’s death, noting the trooper’s early interest in serving through participation in NJSP’s Trooper Youth Week while in high school. Bethea was a member of the 156th State Police Class and served Troop “D” out of Moorestown Station. An investigation into the circumstances of Bethea’s death is ongoing, and details of his viewing and funeral arrangements will be shared by the NJSP in the coming days.
The tragic loss of Trooper Bethea has reverberated through the law enforcement community in New Jersey and beyond. Governor Murphy highlighted Bethea’s passion and commitment to serving the citizens of New Jersey, emphasizing his dedication to public service from a young age. As part of the TEAMS unit, Bethea was training to respond to unique and high-risk police emergencies, showcasing his willingness to put himself in harm’s way to protect others. Efforts to revive Bethea at the NJSP headquarters were unsuccessful, prompting an outpouring of condolences for his family and colleagues.
The TEAMS unit at NJSP maintains a high standard of training and readiness to handle extreme police emergencies, requiring members to undergo a variety of tests and courses to prepare them for the challenges they may face. Bethea’s death during training underscores the risks that law enforcement officers undertake every day in the line of duty. Governor Murphy’s statement expressing sadness over Bethea’s passing reflects the broader sentiment of loss felt by the entire NJSP community and the state as a whole. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Bethea’s death, his memory and dedication to serving others will be remembered and honored.
The sudden and tragic death of Trooper Marcellus Bethea during training for the TEAMS unit at NJSP headquarters has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and colleagues. Governor Murphy’s acknowledgment of Bethea’s early interest in public service and his commitment to duty was a heartfelt tribute to the fallen trooper. The rigorous selection process for the TEAMS unit highlights the high level of skill and readiness required to respond to critical police emergencies, underscoring the significant risks that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. Details regarding Bethea’s funeral arrangements will be shared by the NJSP as the community mourns the loss of a dedicated and passionate officer.
