Bobby Shisler: Deptford police officer's body arrives back to N.J.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The body of fallen Deptford Township Police officer Bobby Shisler arrived back in New Jersey Tuesday morning.
A motorcade of first responders arrived at Boucher Funeral Home in Deptford after a hearse arrived at the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office. 15th Street was lined with Philadelphia police officers saluting as the hearse left the city.
Deptford residents and well-wishers from across South Jersey lined Delsea Drive, Cooper Street and Herman Avenue, as the procession passed by. A group of police officers on motorcycles led the hearse onto the funeral home's property.
"This kid was strong, this kid was tough, this kid battled for eight weeks out of sheer will," Detective Sgt. Robert Jones said.
A memorial is growing outside Deptford Twp Police for Ofc Bobby Shisler who died Sunday - 2 months after being shot in the line of duty. A procession was held this morning from Philly to NJ as police escorted Shisler’s body back home to Deptford. #ShislerStrong @CBSPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/x3KIugRh27
— Ryan Hughes (@HughesCBS3) May 9, 2023
"My stepfather was a police officer so you gotta support because they're risking their lives," Karen Certo said.
On Sunday, Shisler succumbed to injuries he received in a March 10 shooting following a pedestrian stop on Doman Avenue in Deptford. He and a suspect exchanged gunfire and the 24-year-old man later died on the scene.
Shisler's patrol car is now draped in black bunting outside the police department and blanketed in flowers. Shisler was born and raised in Deptford and over the past two months, there's been an outpouring of support as everyone remained hopeful he would recover.
"There were several times when he was awake and he understood, he knew and he felt the love of this community," Jones said.
Shisler suffered critical injuries following the shooting and had been getting treated ever since the incident. Last week, he was transferred from Cooper University Hospital in Camden to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
His body was taken in a procession from that hospital to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office later on Sunday.
On Monday, mourners gathered outside the Deptford Township Municipal Building to remember Shisler. Many spontaneously showed up to a memorial at the building, saying they were numb over the loss.
Christina Buete says her 4-year-old son, Chase, has dreams of becoming a police officer.
"I think it hit him more than anyone else in the household," Buete said.
"It's so senseless and he's a hero and I felt I just needed to come here and pray and pay my respects," Michele Bruno said. "Everybody put their politics aside...race, religion, it didn't really matter everyone was praying for him to get better."
"One of the things that would first hit you about Bobby is his smile, his smile was infectious," Jones said.
"His family and myself and our group was extremely surprised by the outpouring of love and support," Nichole Rodgers said.
Eight weeks ago, Rodgers organized a fundraising effort with the goal of helping support Shisler and his family. And it exploded and led to a local movement called "Shisler Strong".
"It's deserved as a member of our community, not just an officer, he was an incredible member of our community," Rodgers said.
The community had rallied around Shisler following the shooting, holding a blood drive for him and raising thousands of dollars in fundraisers and selling lawn signs.
Shisler's death was the first line-of-duty death in Deptford Police Department history.
The public will have another chance to say goodbye.
Shisler's funeral has been set for next week, Wednesday, May 17 at Rowan University.