By BEN MERITT • Staff Writer • September 30, 2009

HAMMONTON -- Cpl. Frank Lopez of the Hammonton Police Department died unexpectedly Sunday at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Campus in Galloway Township....Continue Reading 

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Lopez, 49, was a 21-year veteran of the department.

"Frank will be truly missed by all the members of the police department who worked with him during his career. Corporal Lopez was sincerely a true officer in every sense of the word," said Police Chief Frank Ingemi, who shared the news of Lopez's passing during the Town Council meeting Monday night.

Lopez had trouble breathing while at his Hammonton home Sunday afternoon.

Emergency personnel responded to the home at about 1:15 p.m. The Hammonton Rescue Squad transported Lopez to the hospital.

Ingemi led the ambulance to the hospital. He called ahead to the Mullica Township, Egg Harbor City and Galloway Township police departments, which helped make sure emergency responders had a clear route down the White Horse Pike to the medical center.

"Several attempts were made to help Frank ... They diligently worked on him as best they could," Ingemi said. "Unfortunately, Frank didn't respond."

Shortly after Lopez died, Ingemi said he took hold of the corporal's hand and leaned over him.

"I whispered, 'Frank, you need to do me one favor. You need to pray for all of our fellow officers, to watch over them and to keep them safe during their law enforcement careers in your memory," Ingemi said. "I am truly convinced that Corporal Lopez will stand quietly by our sides as we protect the citizens and children of this community as Frank had done so well."

A black shroud now hangs outside the entrance to Town Hall in Lopez's memory. The American, state and P.O.W. flags are flying at half-staff, and officers will wear a black band around their badges.

Lopez started his career as a patrolman on Sept. 1, 1988.

He served as a field training officer for new officers. He served as member of the department's K-9 unit for five years and, more recently, he served as a resource officer at Hammonton High School.

Sgt. Steve Zoyac attended the Burlington County Police Academy with Lopez and joined the Hammonton Police Department at the same time.

Zoyac called his friend "a cop's cop."

"He was always focused on his job. He was one of the guys you could count on, and he always did things right," Zoyac said. "He not only looked out for his fellow officers but also for the people of this town. He was always a fair officer. He was always professional."

Lopez had been out on disability since undergoing ankle surgery in June.

Lopez had put off the surgery until after the end of the school year so he could see his duties as the high school's resource officer through.

"That was typical Frankie," Zoyac said. "That's how dedicated he was."

Zoyac last saw Lopez during the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival in July.

"He said he was feeling well, recovering well from the surgery and was looking forward to getting back to work. He wasn't one to lay around for awhile," Zoyac said.

As Ingemi looked through Lopez's departmental file Monday morning, he noted Lopez had not had a single complaint filed against him during his 21-year career.

"That says something," Ingemi said. "He was kind and good-hearted."

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at St. Martin de Porres Church on South Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton. A Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Greenmount Cemetery.

FRANK LOPEZ JR.
LOPEZ JR., CPL. FRANK 49 - of Hammonton, beloved father and husband, passed away suddenly Sunday September 27, 2009. Born in Cape May County Court House, he graduated from Wildwood High School and attended Atlantic County Community College. Cpl. Lopez # 953 served the community of Hammonton with honor and loyalty, as a Police Officer since September 1, 1988, he was on the K-9 Unit for five years with his dog "Teddy". He was a field training officer for several years and for the last year and half Cpl. Lopez was the Hammonton High School Resource Officer where he will be deeply missed by the entire staff and student body. Frank also worked for the Wildwood Police as a summer officer from 1979 and 1980. From 1980 until 1988 he worked for the Tropicana Hotel and Casino Security where he met his loving and supportive wife Evelyn. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler Fan. Frank coordinated a large fantasy football league. He played fantasy football and held a fantastic end of summer cookout for friends and family. Surviving are his wife Evelyn (nee Mojica) his children Brandon and Bianca. His parents Julia and Francisco Lopez of Wildwood. His brothers, Lues R. Lopez of Wildwood, James Lopez of Ocean City, and Robert Lopez of Oklahoma City, OK, his sister Maria Photoupolos of Lexington, NC. His father in law Pedro Mojica, his brother in law Peter (Maxine) Mojica, his aunt and uncle Albert and Annette Rodin and special cousin Lori Marks. Loving uncle of Bret, Jenna, Isaac, Maya, Stephen, Elizabeth, Seth, Frankie, Johnny and Jimmy. Frank is predeceased by his sister Evelyn Demicola and his loving dog Nala. He leaves behind his dog Ava. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing 10:00am - 1:00pm Friday, October 2, 2009 at St. Martin de Porres Church S. Egg Harbor Rd. Hammonton, NJ. Mass will be held at 1:00pm. Entombment will be in Greenmount Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in memory of Cpl. Lopez in trust for his children Brandon and Bianca Lopez PO Box 958 Hammonton, NJ 08037. Arrangements entrusted to the Marinella Funeral Home 102 N. 3rd St. Hammonton, NJ. (www.marinellafuneralhome.com)

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