Legislation sponsored by Senator Sam Thompson (R-Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean) to rename a stretch of I-195 in Upper Freehold Township after Anthony A. Raspa, a New Jersey State Police Trooper killed in the line of duty, was passed by the New Jersey Senate.

Trooper Anthony Raspa was killed in the line of duty on May 30, 2015. (NJSP)

“Whether it’s through violence or accidents, police officers risk danger every single day they go to work,” Senator Thompson said. “Trooper Raspa was a dedicated law enforcement officer who was loved by his family and community alike. Sadly, his life was cut short in a tragic accident, but hopefully this recognition of his service will live on for much longer.”

Working to rename stretch of I-195 in Upper Freehold after Anthony A. Raspa, a @NJSP Trooper killed in line of duty https://t.co/WlkSMY20ca

— Sen. Sam Thompson (@SamThompsonNJ) October 20, 2016

Early in the morning on May 30, 2015, the 24-year-old Raspa was driving east on I-195 in his patrol car when he collided with a deer, veered to the right and crashed into some trees on the side of the road. He was rushed to the hospital in Freehold where was pronounced dead.

The legislation, S-2526, designates the portion of I-195 in Upper Freehold as the “State Trooper Anthony A. Raspa Memorial Highway.” The span stretches roughly from exit 8 past exit 11 to the eastern border of the township.

“This is just a small token of appreciation for an officer who did so much for the rest of us,” Senator Thompson said. “Whenever people drive through Upper Freehold they’ll see Anthony’s name and remember his dedication to the community.”