A Ewing, N.J. police officer fatally shot himself Tuesday morning in the parking lot behind the department's headquarters.
Officials said that Officer Matthew Wallace, 14-year law enforcement veteran, committed suicide around 2:30 a.m. at the complex on Jake Garzio Drive, according to The Times of Trenton.
Wallace was not on duty at the time of the incident and was discovered dead by a police sergeant.
The 39-year-old received numerous department awards and commendations including several Chief Commendations Awards along with an Exceptional Duty Medal.
Back in 2008, he was one of five officers who helped rescue a 79-year-old woman from a burning home by carrying her in a wheelchair out from the flames.
Wallace was described as being happy and outgoing as well as a well-liked member of the Ewing Police Department.
"Matt was a good cop and a very likeable guy. He will be missed by our entire police department," Lt. Ronald P. Lunetta, the department's Officer in Charge, said in a statement. "This event can only be summed up by one word: tragic. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Matt and his family."
