A New Jersey state trooper passed away during a training session in Mercer County for an elite unit, state police announced Sunday night. Marcellus Bethea, a member of Troop D at the Moorestown Station, was training at state police headquarters in Ewing when he died suddenly. Bethea was reportedly training to be a TEAMs Unit member, the group dispatched during rare emergencies. Police have not released further information on his death, but said that an investigation is underway. Officials said that he had served police for eight years and was a member of the 156th Police Class. " His commitment and passion for serving the citizens of New Jersey exemplified honor, duty, and fidelity," state police wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Bethea had been training for the TEAMs, the emergency response unit for unusual circumstances like rescue operations, underwater search and counterterrorism. TEAMs also includes SWAT operations. According to the state police website, prospective members must pass a physical agility test, background investigation, and a " physically and mentally demanding underwater recovery course." New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recognized Bethea in a post, noting his early achievements with police. “Trooper Bethea showed a passion and spark for service from a young age, participating in New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week while a student at Burlington Regional High School, and later graduating from the State Police Academy as part of the 156th class," Murphy wrote . "He embodied honor, duty, and fidelity in its highest form every day and in everything he did."
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