ACTING GOVERNOR MILGRAM ORDERS FLAGS TO FLY AT HALF-STAFF TO HONOR PERTH AMBOY POLICE OFFICER THOMAS E. RAJI

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

August 26, 2008

Contact: Robert Corrales
609-777-2600


TRENTON – In honor of Perth Amboy Police Officer Thomas E. Raji, Acting Governor Anne Milgram signed the following Executive Order calling for the United States and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Thursday, August 28, 2008.

  The full text of the executive order is below.

  EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 110



            WHEREAS, Perth Amboy Police Officer Thomas E. Raji was born and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, graduated from the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School in 1994, and graduated with an associates degree from Middlesex County College in 1998; and

              WHEREAS, Officer Raji was 31 years old and a loving son, devoted husband and beloved family man who resided with his wife and children in Monroe, New Jersey; and

  WHEREAS, Officer Raji joined the Perth Amboy Police Department in 1999, served with exceptional courage, dedication, and professionalism as a police officer, and received numerous commendations from the Department, as well as the citizens of Perth Amboy, for his service in the line of duty; and

  WHEREAS, Officer Raji was beloved and respected by his fellow officers, and personified the finest traditions and principles of law enforcement; and

  WHEREAS, Officer Raji tragically lost his life on August 22, 2008, while in the line of duty serving the citizens of Perth Amboy and this State as a Police Officer; and

WHEREAS, Officer Raji’s selfless devotion to public service and protection of others makes him a hero and a true role model for all New Jerseyans and, therefore, it is fitting and appropriate for the State of New Jersey where he served so proudly to recognize his true commitment to the welfare and safety of others, the mark his untimely passing, to remember his family as they mourn their tragic loss, and to honor his memory;  

             NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANNE MILGRAM, Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

  The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during the appropriate hours on Thursday, August 28, 2008, in recognition of the life and in mourning of the passing of Perth Amboy Police Officer Thomas E. Raji.

  This Order shall take effect immediately.