Bobby Shisler was a 27-year-old police officer in Deptford, New Jersey, who died on May 8, 2023, nearly two months after he was shot by a suspect during a routine patrol. He was the first officer in the history of the Deptford Police Department to be killed in the line of duty. His death sparked an outpouring of grief and support from his family, friends, colleagues, and community. This article will explore the details of his tragic shooting, his courageous battle for survival, and his legacy as a hero and a role model.
The Shooting Incident
According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the shooting incident occurred on March 10, 2023, around 9:30 p.m., when Officer Shisler attempted to stop a pedestrian, identified as Mitchell Negron, 24, who was walking along Delsea Drive in Deptford. Negron ran from Shisler and a struggle ensued, during which both men exchanged gunfire. Shisler was hit multiple times in the chest and abdomen, while Negron was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene. A .38 special revolver belonging to Negron was recovered at the scene, according to NJ.com.
Shisler was rushed to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he underwent several surgeries and received blood transfusions. He was later transferred to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he received specialized care and treatment. However, despite the best efforts of the medical staff and the prayers of his loved ones, he succumbed to his injuries on May 8, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., according to the Deptford Police Department.
The Heroic Cop
Shisler was born and raised in Deptford, where he lived with his parents and two brothers, who are also police officers. He graduated from Deptford High School in 2014 and joined the Deptford Police Department in 2019, following his father’s footsteps. He was described by his colleagues and superiors as a dedicated, professional, and courageous officer, who always went above and beyond the call of duty. He was also known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Shisler was passionate about serving and protecting his community, and he was involved in various outreach and charitable programs. He was a member of the Deptford Police Athletic League, where he coached and mentored young athletes. He also participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run, the Police Unity Tour, and the Toys for Tots campaign. He was a devout Christian and a member of the Gloucester County Community Church, where he volunteered as a youth leader and a worship team member, according to the Deptford Police Department.
Shisler was also an avid sports fan and a talented musician. He enjoyed playing and watching football, basketball, and baseball, and he was a loyal supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers. He also loved playing the guitar, drums, and piano, and he had a beautiful singing voice, according to his obituary.
The Community’s Support
Shisler’s shooting and death sparked a wave of support and solidarity from his community and beyond. Thousands of people, including fellow officers, firefighters, paramedics, and civilians, lined the streets and bridges to pay their respects and honor his sacrifice during his processions on May 8 and May 11, 2023. Many people also left flowers, cards, flags, and balloons at his patrol car, which was parked outside the town municipal building, according to CBS Philadelphia.
The community also rallied behind Shisler’s family and raised funds to help them with the medical and funeral expenses. Several events, such as car washes, bake sales, and raffles, were organized by local businesses, schools, and organizations to show their gratitude and appreciation for Shisler’s service. A social media campaign, dubbed #ShislerStrong, was also launched to spread awareness and encouragement for Shisler and his family, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Shisler’s family expressed their gratitude and admiration for their son and brother, and thanked the community for their support and prayers. They said that Shisler was their hero and their inspiration, and that he lived a life of purpose and passion. They also said that they were proud of his legacy and that he would never be forgotten, according to his obituary.
The Final Farewell
Shisler’s funeral service was held on May 12, 2023, at the Gloucester County Community Church, where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate his life and mourn his loss. The service was attended by his family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, and Deptford Mayor Paul Medany. The service featured tributes, songs, and prayers, and a video montage of Shisler’s life, according to CBS Philadelphia.
Shisler was laid to rest at the Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro, where he received full police honors, including a 21-gun salute, a helicopter flyover, and a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace”. His casket was draped with the American flag and carried by his fellow officers, who saluted him and presented his family with his badge and his flag. His final call was broadcasted over the police radio, where he was thanked for his service and his sacrifice, and where he was declared “10-7”, meaning “out of service”, according to NBC Philadelphia.
Shisler’s death marked a tragic and historic moment for the Deptford Police Department and the New Jersey law enforcement community, as he was the first officer to die in the line of duty in Deptford’s history, and the second officer to die in the line of duty in New Jersey in 2023. His death also reminded the public of the dangers and challenges that police officers face every day, and the need to support and appreciate them for their work. Shisler’s death also inspired many people to follow his example of courage, compassion, and service, and to honor his memory by living a life of faith, love, and joy.
