New Jersey Administrative Code
Title - EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Title 55 - CHRIS CHRISTIE
Section - Executive Order No. 337 (2023)

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024

Governor Philip D. Murphy

Executive Order No. 337 (2023)

An Order Directing that Flags Be Flown at Half-Staff on Sunday, August 6, 2023, in Recognition of and Mourning of the 50th Anniversary of the Passing of a Dedicated Public Servant and Hero, Former Woodbine Chief of Police Phillip John DeSantis

Issued: July 28, 2023.

Effective: July 28, 2023.

WHEREAS, law enforcement officers across New Jersey put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect the people of this State; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the memory and sacrifice of officers who give their lives in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, August 6, 2023 will mark fifty years since the murder of one of those law enforcement officers: Phillip John DeSantis, who served for nearly twenty years in the police department for the Borough of Woodbine in Cape May County and who for most of that time served as Chief of Police; and

WHEREAS, Chief DeSantis was tragically killed on August 6, 1973, at the age of 54, after stopping a suspect who was fleeing an armed robbery at a gas station in which the suspect murdered the attendant, Kenneth McGuire, whose memory we also continue to honor; and

WHEREAS, during his distinguished career in law enforcement, Chief DeSantis received the Medal of Valor from the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association of New Jersey for his heroic handling of a violent domestic dispute; and

WHEREAS, a veteran of the Second World War who was active with the local American Legion, Chief DeSantis passed away just months before his anticipated retirement; and

WHEREAS, Chief DeSantis served courageously and selflessly to ensure the safety and well-being of his community; and

WHEREAS, Chief DeSantis was a loving husband and uncle, whose memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, the people of Woodbine and Cape May County, and all law enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, Chief DeSantis lived a life of service and sacrifice where he sought to keep our communities safe, and therefore it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark the 50th anniversary of his passing and to honor his memory; and

WHEREAS, it is with deep sadness that we continue to mourn the loss of Chief DeSantis, and extend our sincere sympathy to his family and friends;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT: