A veteran Manchester Township, N.J. police officer died Friday after collapsing while exercising in his department's gym.
Officer Scott R. Thompson was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was pronounced, according to The Press of Atlantic City.
The 47-year-old had been with the Manchester Township Police Department since 1999 and served in law enforcement in New Jersey since 1986.
Thompson was honored with a 2014 Meritorious Service Award for peacefully resolving a situation involving an individual suffering from a mental illness.
"Scott was a kind, dedicated officer and family man," Manchester Township Police Chief Lisa Parker said. "He loved his family and his fellow officers."
Thompson was slated for a promotion to the rank of Corporal, which will be awarded posthumously during a ceremony to be announced at a later date.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
