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.”