New Jersey State Police Sgt. James G. Hoopes III was just 40 years old when he died on duty in September 2012 in Atlantic City. Now his fellow officers say he “remains on patrol” after the dedication of a state police boat in his memory.
James G. Hoopes III
Hoopes was assigned to the force’s gaming investigations unit in the city. He suffered a fatal heart attack while running during physical training, apparently from a previously undetected heart defect.
Hoope’s family, friends and fellow troopers gathered in Atlantic City Aug. 25 to honor him.
The Sgt. James J. Hoopes was delivered by Moose Boats, Pataluma, Calif., in 2013 and is a favorite of Marine Services Bureau troopers. The 37’x13’6”x22” aluminum catamaran is propelled by twin Cummins QSB 6.7L turbocharged diesels, driving Hamilton HJ 292 water jets.
Acquired for $800,000, the boat is big enough to handle the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay – where winds can raise near-ocean conditions – but still has shallow draft capability for rescues in remote back bays and marshes with water as shallow as 22".
