Statewide Goal:Zero traffic enforcement program to carry name of officer killed by drunk driver 15 years ago
More than 500 people lost their lives this year in New Jersey to traffic-related crashes.
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The day before Thanksgiving is a big party night known as “Blackout Wednesday.” Police increased patrols as part of the now statewide Goal:Zero initiative.
It was 15 years ago on Nov. 26, when Ocean Gate Patrolman Jason Marles, known to everyone as Jay, was killed by a drunk driver while on his way home from work to his family.
The evening patrols carry Jay’s name to honor his legacy.
“We’re all decorated for Christmas in our home already because we bypass Thanksgiving every year,” said Jay’s mother and stepfather, Patricia and Joe Engrassia.
At just 32 years old, Jay Marles’ life was cut short by a drunk driver.
His mom and stepdad’s matching tattoos serve as reminders of Jay’s legacy, along with the Where Angels Play Foundation. But the memories from that night 15 years ago still linger.
“My last conversation with him that night was, ‘What time is dinner tomorrow, mom?’ And I told him I said ‘I made you extra stuffing’ because he loved my stuffing and I have not really made a stuffing since,” said Patricia.
“I think it’s important that a whole new generation of officers now get to know Jay and know what he stood for,” said Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis.
To do that, Chief Ellis and Holmdel Patrolman Matt Menosky, who started Goal:Zero in Monmouth County two years ago, asked for the blessings of Patricia and Joe to add Jay’s name.
“No better way to honor his memory and to name the detail after Jay,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.
More than 500 people lost their lives this year in New Jersey to traffic-related crashes. Ocean County’s 54 deaths lead the state. Behind each of those numbers are families like Joe and Patricia.
“It’s preventable and I really, really think that’s what we need to get out there,” they said.
During a Goal:Zero detail, police will look for impaired, aggressive, speeding and distracted drivers on designated highways.
“We want everybody to be able to wake up tomorrow and enjoy Thanksgiving with their family and friends,” said Billhimer.
“The person that took his life served time but saved a lot of families from going through what we are going through, so he did his job,” said Patricia.
