Dept. mourns officer's passing
William Preslar was on force since 2001
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

William Preslar

Lakewood police officers were in mourning this week following the death of Patrolman William Preslar, 36, on Monday morning.

Preslar, a member of the Lakewood Police Department's tactical team, was killed in a one-vehicle accident that occurred in the early morning hours of May 14.

Lakewood police Detective Lt. Joseph Isnardi said Preslar was driving his patrol car on Route 528 east of Gudz Road on an assignment to back up another officer when a deer jumped in front of him. Preslar tried to avoid hitting the deer by swerving the vehicle. His car ran off the road and struck a tree. He died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Officer Frank Pugliese, who spoke at a press conference held outside the Lakewood municipal building on Monday afternoon, said the morning's news came as a shock to the members of the police department.

"This is a horrible event. He was a terrific man who loved to do his work," Pugliese said.

For a police department that had not lost an officer in the line of duty in 61 years, Pugliese said, "today is hard day."

Preslar was a graduate of Lakewood High School and the Ocean County Police Academy. He joined the Lakewood Police Department in January 2001.

Pugliese reminded people that the nature of police work is dangerous.

"You have to remember that when an officer takes this job, anything can happen, anytime, anywhere, to anybody," he said. "Any of us can come here today and not go home tonight, it's that simple."

Police said Preslar is survived by his wife, Lisa, and two daughters, who are 4 and 5 years- old. He is also survived by his parents, Oran Wayne and Nereida Preslar, of Jackson; a brother and sister-in-law; and other relatives.

The accident is being investigated by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Fatal Accident Support Team.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Lakewood, at 10:30 a.m. May 18.