Christopher Goodell - Law Enforcement - New Jersey

Chris Goodell

Police Officer Chris Goodell, age 32, died in the line of duty on July 17, 2014, in Waldwick, New Jersey.

Chris was a member of the Waldwick Police Department. He had 6 years of service.

Just before 1:30 a.m., Officer Goodell was conducting radar speed checks and was parked on the shoulder of a local highway.

A tractor trailer (semi) swerved onto the shoulder and collided with the back of the patrol car, pushing it into a retaining wall. An off duty deputy from another state was passing the scene and stopped to provide first aid. Sadly, Chris succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Ryon Cumberbatch, age 28, of Brooklyn, New York, the driver of the tractor trailer, has been charged with vehicular homicide and has pleaded not guilty.

Chris grew up in the Waldwick area and graduated from Waldwick High School in

Michael, Archangel, Patron Saint
of the Police, pray for Chris and
for those who have lost him

2000. He attended one semester at William Paterson University.

He enlisted in the Marines and served for five years including tours of duty in Iraq.

The Waldwick Police Department is in mourning over the death of their brother. Chris is described as an outstanding officer who was proactive. He loved his family, his fiancée, his profession, his comrades and his community. He will be forever remembered.

Friends describe him as a man who wanted everyone to be okay and to be happy.

Christopher's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

Chris is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including but not limited to his mother, Patricia Goodell; his father, Mark Goodell; his sister, Nicole and his fiancée, Jillian Voss.

Thank you for your service to your country and to your community, Chris.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Chris is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.