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Off-duty NJ cop kills self at police HQ

Officer Matthew Wallace, 39, was found in the parking lot with a bullet wound to the head

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Photo courtesy Ewing Police

By Police1 Staff

EWING, N.J. — A Ewing police officer committed suicide Wednesday morning in the parking lot behind police headquarters.

Officer Matthew Wallace, 39, a 14-year veteran, shot himself in the head and was discovered by another officer, according to NJ.com.

“It’s a tragedy and it’s a tremendous loss not only for the department but also for the community,” said Mayor Bert Steinmann. “This is the saddest day I’ve had as mayor.”

Wallace, a husband and father, had received numerous awards and commendations including several Chief Commendations Awards and an Exceptional Duty Medal, according to the report.

Wallace was off-duty when he died.

“Matt was a good cop and a very likeable guy. He will be missed by our entire police department,” Officer in Charge Lt. Ronald P. Lunetta said in a release. “This event can only be summed up by one word: tragic. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Matt and his family.”