NJ State Trooper fatally struck by car laid to rest

CINNAMINSON, N.J. (WPVI) -- A New Jersey state trooper killed when he was struck by a passing motorist last week was laid to rest Monday.

The funeral for Trooper Sean Cullen got underway at noon in Cinnaminson, where he grew up.

The rainy weather added to the dreariness of this sad day as hundreds gathered to say goodbye to Cullen.

PHOTOS: Funeral for Trooper Sean Cullen

The 31-year-old died early last Tuesday after being struck by a car on Interstate 295 in West Deptford while responding to an accident.

Friends, family and police officers from all over the country came to Saint Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Cinnaminson to pay their final respects.

During the service, Cullen's heartbroken brother, Matt, and sister, Jennifer, made a promise to his infant son.

"Seamus, we promise to you to keep your dad alive in everything that we do," Jennifer said.

Cullen's brother, Garrett, is also a state trooper and it was Sean's dream to be one, too.

In addition to his parents Cullen leaves behind his fiancee, Aryn, who is expecting another child.

"I think they're blessed to have such a close, wonderful family that despite the circumstances, I think they'll rally around each other," said neighbor Erin Donnelly.

"Law enforcement is a brotherhood," said Sgt. Anthony Carter of the Connecticut State Police. "This was tragic. No matter how far it is, we try to get there."

"We're all family," said Middletown Twp. Police Officer Jacob Gallagher. "We're all here to support one another, especially now, when it seems police aren't favored as much. It's very important that we show we care about each other."

Born in Ireland, Cullen was a trooper for less than two years.

PHOTOS: Remembering Tpr. Sean Cullen

Before that, he worked at police departments in Sea Isle City, Mount Holly and Westhampton.

Officer Bill Wentz, a member of the University of Delaware Police force, went through the Cape May County Police Academy with Cullen.

"Sean was just a funny guy," Wentz told Action News. "He was a good family man. He was just a real good guy."

Trooper Cullen is survived by his fiancee, Aryn, who is expecting, a nine-month-old son, his parents, a sister and two brothers, one of whom is also a state trooper.

"We're going to show the family - and he had family members in the state police - show the family the respect they are due," said Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari. "It's very hard for them."

"It's the fact of how he lost his life trying to help somebody else," said Susan Hammond of Palmyra, N.J. "It's just sad. It's just really sad."

"I can't put myself, really, in their shoes," said N.J. State Police Capt. Steve Jones. "But they seem to be a very strong family, and with the support that they're getting right now, we really hope that they're going to be okay. We are going to maintain our position as part of their family for the rest of their lives."

The Trooper Sean Cullen Memorial Fund has been set up to support Cullen's family.

As Monday's funeral got underway, donations to the gofundme page had topped $134,000.