Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick remembered in his hometown of South River

SOUTH RIVER – The hometown of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was killed in last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol, remembered the borough native Tuesday morning with peace, dignity and sadness. 

In the quiet ceremony at Dailey's Pond on Prospect Street, a small crowd, which included members of the Sicknick family, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, New Jersey State Police, borough officials and police officers, gathered to pay tribute to the man who grew up in South River.

"Officer Sicknick was a patriot and a hero," Menendez said. "He gave his life as the Congress of the United States was performing its role under the Constitution and while others may have walked away, he stood firm. We are in a debt of gratitude."

Menendez said Sicknick served "with distinction and honor." The senator vowed the federal government will do everything in its power to bring to justice those who murdered Sicknick.

"He always wanted to be a police officer and being a Capitol Police Officer was the culmination of a professional journey of service," he said. "We honor his service. We remember his life and his dedication to that service, to the Constitution, to the oath that he took." 

Earlier:NJ hometown 'in shock' after Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick dies in D.C. riot

Menendez presented an American flag that had flown over the Capitol in honor of Sicknick to the officer's family.

A South River Police officer then lowered the flag to half-staff. 

Mayor John Krenzel said the events in Washington have "struck us here in South River."

"It's a horrible thing," he said. 

Though South River is united in grief with the family, Krenzel later said "today's ceremony helps the healing process.”

State Police Lt. Matthew Lonczak, a former South River resident, told the Sicknick family that he cannot express how sad he was when he heard the news about Brian.

Flags lowered:After Officer Brian Sicknick's death NJ orders flags half-staff, GoFundMe posted

Lonczak, who hadn't seen Sicknick in years, later said Sicknick's death was "devastating news."

He said South River is a "tight-knit community" and when something happens to a resident or former resident "it hits home."

"May he rest in peace," he said, adding that the State Police extended its "deepest condolences" to the family. 

A GoFundMe page — Officer Brian D. Sicknick Memorial — on Tuesday afternoon had raised $616,710 on behalf of the officer's family.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.