Honors Fallen New Jersey Law Enforcement Officers Who Have Made The Ultimate Sacrifice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024
Contact: Tyler Jones
Press Office: U.S. Senator George Helmy
Email: Tyler_Jones@helmy.senate.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today introduced a bill in honor of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster. The Justice for Trooper Werner Foerster Act will officially honor and commemorate the late Trooper Foerster, who was tragically shot and killed by Joanne Chesimard, and other New Jersey law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The bill also urges the Department of Justice and Department of State to immediately extradite or return Chesimard to the United States from Cuba to face justice.
On May 2, 1973, Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, and two of her accomplices opened fire on New Jersey State Troopers Werner Foerster and James Harper, killing Trooper Foerster and wounding Trooper Harper. After a 6-week trial in March 1977, a jury of her own peers found Chesimard guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment for her role in Trooper Foerster’s murder. On November 2, 1979, Chesimard escaped from the facility where she was serving her life sentence and fled to Cuba where she has been receiving safe haven to this day.
“Having worked closely with law enforcement throughout my public service career, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices our State Troopers make daily to protect and serve communities across New Jersey. Trooper Werner Foerster was simply fulfilling his duty as a State Trooper when he was brutally and senselessly killed by Joanne Chesimard and her associates,” said Senator Helmy. “As we seek to officially commemorate and honor Trooper Foerster, and all of the fallen law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, we call for Chesimard’s immediate extradition to the United States to serve out her life sentence. Violence has no place in our state or nation. Those who are duly convicted of such horrific crimes – especially those committed against the men and women who risk their lives to keep Americans safe – should rightfully face justice here in the United States.”
“The ‘Justice for Trooper Werner Foerster Act’ is a crucial demand for justice in memory of a fallen hero,” said Congressman Van Drew (NJ-2). “Our law enforcement officers risk everything to keep us safe, and this time Trooper Foerster paid the ultimate price. Calling for the extradition of Joanne Chesimard ensures that she faces the consequences of her actions and sends a strong message: we will not stand by while justice is denied. We owe it to Trooper Foerster and all our heroes to fight for accountability and uphold their sacrifices.”
“I commend New Jersey Senator George Helmy on his bipartisan effort to recognize the sacrifice of slain New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster,” said Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-4). “Trooper Foerster was slain by cop-killing fugitive Joanne Chesimard, and I am happy to work across the aisle and across chambers to bring her to justice and honor her victims.”
“As a career-long law enforcement officer, I proudly support Senator George Helmy’s Justice for Trooper Werner Foerster Act,” said New Jersey State Senator Gordon M. Johnson. “This bill honors the legacy of Trooper Foerster, who gave his life in service to the people of New Jersey but it also stands as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by our officers every day. We owe it to Trooper Foerster, his family, and all officers who put their lives on the line, to acknowledge their public service and to never stop fighting for justice.”
“New Jersey will always remember the sacrifice and distinguished service of New Jersey State Police Trooper Werner Foerster, who was senselessly murdered by Joanne Chesimard and her accomplices – and we will not rest until she is back in custody,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Together, we remain steadfast in our resolve to ensure that justice is served.”
“The introduction of this bill by Senator Helmy serves as a stark reminder of the grave dangers law enforcement officers face every day in their unwavering mission to protect and serve,”said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “It not only solidifies our commitment to stand by those who wear the badge but also honors the enduring legacy of Trooper Werner Foerster, whose ultimate sacrifice will forever resonate in the heart of the New Jersey State Police. His memory is a call to action — a reminder that we must continue to fight for justice and ensure that all officers’ courage, sacrifice, and dedication are never overlooked. This legislation is not just symbolic; it reinforces our duty to protect those who protect us and to relentlessly pursue justice for the fallen.”
“Thank you to Senator Helmy for introducing the “Justice for Trooper Werner Foerster Act”. Though we will never forget what occurred on that dreadful day, there must be closure for the family and the law enforcement community, by extraditing Ms. Chesimard to serve her sentence. As a career law enforcement officer, it’s comforting to know that the ultimate sacrifice made by individuals committed to serve and protect, will never be overlooked. Senator Helmly is proof that New Jersey Law Enforcement will always be held in the highest esteem, and again thank him for his commitment,” said Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, MAS.
“I commend Senator Helmy for the introduction of the Justice for Trooper Werner Foerster Act. It is crucial that we continue to recognize law enforcement officials, who commit their lives to keeping us safe, and especially those whose lives are lost in the line of duty. It is critical that justice is served in this case,” said Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott.
To view the full text of the bill, please see the attached document.