Hamilton Twp. - Attorney General Peter Harvey and Colonel Rick Fuentes today joined state troopers, government officials and community leaders from the Mercer County area to officially dedicate the Troop "C" Hamilton State Police complex to three fallen troopers. The complex was dedicated to the memory of fallen Troopers: Carlos M. Negron (Badge #3656), Christopher S. Scales (Badge # 4575), and Joseph P. Lentini Jr. (Badge #5076).

"The New Jersey State Police is the finest police force in the nation. This new complex reflects our commitment to provide our state troopers with the first-class facilities they need to help and protect the citizens of New Jersey," said Attorney General Peter C. Harvey. "This complex will serve as the home base and communications hub for troopers protecting the heart of our State, including its capital, in this challenging new era of global terrorism. We dedicate these facilities in memory of three men who exemplified the best of the New Jersey State Police, Troopers Joseph P. Lentini Jr., Carlos M. Negron and Christopher S. Scales."

"It's a privilege for me to participate in today's services and to dedicate the Hamilton Complex to not only the memory of these troopers, but to the day-in and day-out efforts of each trooper who puts his or her life on the line protecting New Jersey's citizens," said Colonel Rick Fuentes. The families in attendance for today's dedication will always be a part of the State Police family as will the memories of their loved ones, added Fuentes.

In dedicating the Hamilton Complex, Fuentes recalled the careers of Troopers Negron, Scales, and Lentini. "Their service was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty, and faithful devotion to the principals of the New Jersey State Police," said Fuentes.

The Troop "C" Hamilton Headquarters is dedicated to the memory of Trooper Carlos M. Negron. Trooper Negron graduated as a member of the 98th New Jersey State Police Class and enlisted on February 11, 1982, fulfilling a life-long dream of becoming a State Trooper. Upon graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy, Trooper Negron was assigned to Troop C, where he served at the Fort Dix and Hopewell Stations before being assigned to Troop D, the New Jersey Turnpike. He was assigned to the New Brunswick Station at the time of his death.

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, Mercer County. A gunfight ensued with one of the two occupants in the van and Trooper Negron was fatally wounded.

Hamilton Headquarters is a 78,000 square foot facility, which will enhance the ability of the State Police to provide law enforcement services to the citizens of central New Jersey. In addition to the Hamilton Sub-Station and Communications Center, the complex houses a 19,500 square foot vehicle maintenance garage, a separate 21,500 square foot 21 lane indoor firing range, and a helicopter-landing pad.

The Troop C Hamilton Sub-Station is dedicated to the memory of Trooper I Christopher S. Scales #4575. Trooper I Scales graduated as a member of the 107th New Jersey State Police Class and enlisted on May 7, 1987. Upon graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy, Trooper I Scales was assigned to Troop C, where he served at the Edison, Fort Dix, Wilburtha, and Flemington Stations before being assigned to Troop D, the New Jersey Turnpike. At Troop D, he was assigned to the Cranbury Station, and was assigned to the Tactical Patrol Unit at the time of his death.

On December 3, 2002, Trooper I Scales was standing on the toll island at the Carteret Toll Plaza, Exit 12, of the New Jersey Turnpike. He was working on a four-person detail aimed at increasing seatbelt compliance by motorists. The rear wheels of a tanker truck struck him as it pulled away from the tollbooth. Trooper I Scales was fatally injured.

Officially opened on August 30, 2003, the Hamilton Station replaced the outdated Hightstown and Wilburtha Station and is centrally located on Route 130. With 61 troopers currently assigned, the Hamilton Station is under the command of A/Lt. Frank Duca and Assistant Station Commander SFC Timothy Williams. Troopers from the Hamilton Sub-Station provide full-time police services to the towns of Upper Freehold, Millstone, and Roosevelt Borough in Monmouth County, and Rocky Hill Borough in Somerset County - an area encompassing over 90 square miles. Station personnel also patrol 24 miles of interstate roadway. Troop C serves central New Jersey with stations located at Allenwood, Bordentown, Kingwood, Red Lion, and Tuckerton.

The Statewide Communications Center is dedicated to the memory of Trooper I Joseph P. Lentini, Jr. #5076, who died after a lengthy illness on June 14, 2002. Trooper I Lentini graduated as a member of the 113th New Jersey State Police Class and enlisted on January 15, 1993. Upon graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy, Trooper I Lentini was assigned to Troop C, where he served at the Fort Dix, Flemington, and Hightstown Stations before being assigned to Troop D, the New Jersey Turnpike. At Troop D, he was assigned to the New Brunswick Station before being assigned back to Troop C and the Allenwood Station. On April 12, 1997, Trooper I Lentini was assigned to the Emergency Management Section, Operational Dispatch Unit Central, where he served at the time of his death.

The Statewide Communications Center is responsible for police dispatching for Troop C and the Burlington and Point Pleasant State Police Marine Stations. The New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also conduct dispatching duties from the Communications Center.

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