Last week, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora, City Officials, Interim Parks & Recreation Director Paul Harris, members of the Negron family and Colonel Patrick Callahan #5243, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Kilcomons #5721, Major Fidiberto Soto #6154, Captain Harold Ramirez #6207, Captain Eric Wynn #6489 and members of the New Jersey State Police celebrated the newly constructed Carlos Negron Memorial Park. The once empty lot has been transformed into a beautiful playground in dedication to New Jersey State Police Trooper Carlos M. Negron #3656.

“This park is dedicated a true hometown hero—Trooper Carlos M. Negron—whose life and service remind us of the ultimate sacrifice made in the name of public safety. This playground will not only serve our children and families as a vibrant place to gather and enjoy themselves, but it will also stand as a lasting tribute to a life lived with honor and selflessness. Let it inspire future generations to lead with integrity, just as Trooper Negron did,” said Mayor Gusciora.

Prior to playground construction, site work was completed to ensure a smooth installation process. The play area began assemblage in late 2024 and was completed in January 2025.

The centerpiece of the playground is a large, ADA-compliant play structure designed to meet federal accessibility standards, along with ground-level features such as a Zoom Twist and an inclusive Dennis Rocker to support families of all abilities. Future amenities for the playground include grills and picnic tables. The overall project cost is $177,103.

As Parks & Recreation continues its efforts to upgrade City parks and facilities, residents can expect improvements at the following sites: Rutherford Avenue Park, Cooper Park, and Eagle Tavern, Wireworks.

“Today we ensure that the children, families, and neighbors that play, gather or just pass through will forever know his name and story. Let this park serve as a living memory to a local hero, a proud Puerto Rican American, a Marine, a State Trooper, and a man who gave everything for the safety of others,” said Trenton City Council President Yazminelly Gonzalez.

“Today’s ribbon cutting and renaming of the Carlos Negron Playground was a very touching event.  The Late State Trooper Negron who died at the age of 30, will be remembered for his service to NJ State Police and for his bravery and kindness.  His life was taken far too soon, and we are thankful for his service.  It was a blessing to see his mother, 99 years of age, present to witness the unveiling; my thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends who knew and loved him,” said Trenton City Councilwoman At -Large Crystal Feliciano.

“Transforming this once-empty lot into the Carlos Negron Memorial Park has been a meaningful project for the City of Trenton and a testament to what can be achieved through community collaboration and planning. We are proud to deliver projects that improve the quality of life for all and bring our neighborhoods closer together,” said Director Harris.

Carlos M. Negron was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico on October 5, 1954. After high school he attended college for 2 1/2 years. He worked temporarily at the Calhoun Pharmacy in Trenton, New Jersey and in 1979 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He resided in Trenton, New Jersey.

Trooper Negron joined the New Jersey State Police on February 11, 1982 as a member of the 98th Class. He was assigned to various stations in Troop “C” before being transferred to Troop “D”. His service with the Division was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and honorable devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.

On May 7, 1984, Trooper Negron was on routine patrol on the New Jersey Turnpike. At 8:12 a.m. he stopped to aid a disabled van at milepost 66.7 north bound in East Windsor Township. A gunfight ensued with one of the two occupants in the van and Trooper Negron was fatally wounded.

Trooper Negron was taken to the Medical Center at Princeton and was pronounced dead at 9:35 a.m. At the time, he was survived by his parents, brothers, sisters, his wife, and an 11-month old son. Trooper Negron served 2 years and 3 months with the New Jersey State Police. He was 29 years old.

“Trooper Carlos Negron cared about others more than himself. He was going out of his way to help somebody and in turn lost his life. We will never ever forget his sacrifice. May every life touched by this space remember the legacy of Trooper Negron — a true hero who gave everything for the good of others,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan.

The post  City of Trenton Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Newly Constructed Carlos Negron Memorial Park first appeared on TrentonDaily.