Moorestown Police Officer Dies in Off-Duty Accident

Moorestown Police Ptlm. Craig Berner, a 26-year-veteran of the force, died Saturday night in an off-duty motorcycle accident.

According to New Jersey State Police, Berner was driving his motorcycle east on Westfield Road when he lost control, overturned and was thrown into the westbound lane, where he was struck by a Ford F-150 heading west.

Berner was pronounced dead at the scene, state police said. 

The driver of the truck was William McGovern, 60, of Mount Laurel. McGovern is a detective with the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, according to state police. He was off-duty at the time of the accident.

Because of McGovern's involvement, Moorestown Police and the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office requested that the Camden County Prosecutor's Office be brought in on the investigation.

“We obviously want everyone to keep Craig’s family in their thoughts and prayers,” said Lt. Lee Lieber, of Moorestown Police.

Berner joined the department in 1987. He was a 1979 graduate of Moorestown High School, according to the class of ‘79’s web page, and also a former Marine. He had three children.

Mayor Stacey Jordan was informed of the officer's passing late Saturday and said, "It's just really sad. Obviously for his family, it's very tragic ... He will be dearly missed."

Township council issued the following joint statement regarding the passing of Ptlm. Berner:

"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Moorestown Police Officer Craig Berner. Ptlm. Berner lived his life giving back to others not only as a police officer, but as a former U.S. Marine. There are no words that can adequately express our gratitude for his service to Moorestown, or our sorrow for his loss. We pray that his family and friends are comforted by his memory at this extremely difficult time."

The news was originally reported via the Cinnaminson Township Facebook page. The page is managed by Cinnaminson Committeeman Don Brauckmann, who is also a member of the Moorestown Police Department.

“Our thoughts, sympathy, and prayers go out to Officer Berner’s family and his extended Moorestown Police/law enforcement family during this trying time,” the post reads.

Stay with Moorestown Patch for more on this story as it develops.

Did you know Officer Berner? Leave a comment below or email rob.scott@patch.com to share your memories.