Off-duty Longport police officer killed in motorcycle crash

FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Longport police are mourning the death of Sergeant Charles Adams, a 21-year veteran of their department who was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a SUV.

Sergeant Adams was off-duty when he was killed while out riding his motorcycle.

The Sargent's widow, Sarah, today individually thanked those who had come to a nearby funeral home. Minutes before most had been part of a police escort for the body of Sgt. Adams.

The 53-year-old Adams, "Tommy" to his friends, was killed Monday at an intersection in Franklin Township in Gloucester County. Adam's was riding his personal Harley Davidson and collided with a large SUV.

Longport Mayor Nick Russo tells us, "Our condolences go out to his family, and he is going to be sadly missed."

Adam's was also firefighter since he was 17.

At Ozzie's Luncheonette the sergeant was well liked.

Owner Likie Nika says, "As a police officer he always tried to give somebody a break, be helpful."

Adams set up the police department's motorcycle unit several years ago.

Friend Scott Stetzer met Adam's in Kindergarten, and he says motorcycles were a passion.

"He loved his motorcycles. He would get on his bike and ride out into the Dakotas and just tour the country," Stetzer said.

But Adam's also loved the little shore town he grew up in.

Mayor Russo says, "He would come up with ideas to bring the community together - picnics, parties, barbecues are thing that make a community, involving the children involving seniors."