SJ Town To Honor One Of Its Own With A Park In His Memory
By David Madden
MANTUA, NJ (CBS) -- A South Jersey community will rename a playground next week in honor of a state trooper who died in the line of duty late last year.
Trooper Eli McCarson, a native of Mantua, was killed last December when his cruiser slammed into a pole in Salem County while he was responding to a call.
Next week, what is now known as Sewell Park at Mantua Boulevard and East Mercer Avenue, will be renamed in McCarson's memory.
Mantua Mayor Pete Scirrotto says,"This has been in the works for about a month.We just thought there was a little park over here, a playground, and we thought it would just be fitting to name it after the young trooper."
They've upgraded the small park a bit with a new flagpole and some landscaping.
"We've also put pavers in the shape of a triangle which, if you look at a state trooper's badge, it's triangular," Scirrotto said.
And they're not done yet.
The official dedication is set August 11th.
McCarson's widow just gave birth, so she may not make the event, but other family members are expected, along with a sizable state police contingent.