Brian Sicknick grew up in South River and served in the New Jersey Air National Guard for several years before joining the United States Capitol Police (USCP) in 2008. Members of Brian’s immediate and extended family participated in today’s wreath-laying ceremony at the Brian Sicknick Memorial Garden in Volunteer’s Park. The memorial garden was created in 2022 by a group of local students and community members and features a flower bed, plaque, and two benches.

The Governor also announced the signing of joint resolution AJR215/SJR151 to designate July 30th, Brian’s birthday, as Brian Sicknick Day annually in New Jersey.

“Our law enforcement officers represent the very best of us,” said Governor Murphy. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for bravely serving our communities and keeping New Jersey safe. Officer Brian Sicknick was an American hero, killed in the line of duty on one of our nation’s darkest days. I am proud to join the Sicknick family today to honor Brian’s memory and ensure his courage lives for years to come.”

The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) led the wreath-laying ceremony, which included a performance of the national anthem, bagpipes, and a 21-gun salute.

“United States Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died after defending the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021, but that is not his only identity,” said Ken Sicknick, brother of Brian Sicknick.“He is a brother, a son, and a co-worker that was embraced by his peers. He was loved because of the person that he was. He is a hero.”

"As we celebrate our brave law enforcement officers today, my heart is with the family of Brian Sicknick. I am forever grateful for the sacrifice and courage he exemplified 5 years ago. A son of New Jersey, a veteran, and a lifelong public servant, he represented the best of us. The violence that took Sicknick’s life should have never happened and as we get ready to mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must remember that our democracy is a constant work in progress and requires all of us to take an active role in protecting it. I will never hesitate to fight for the safety of our law enforcement officers, the communities they serve, and for the promises of our democracy that Sicknick gave his life to protect here in New Jersey,” said Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.

“It is fitting that we honor U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick on this day,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Five years ago, when a lawless mob attempted to stop the peaceful transfer of power, Brian joined scores of police officers in defending the Capitol and our lawmakers. He was one of several who made the ultimate sacrifice for that defense. We can never forget what he did. Nor can we forget the members of law enforcement who report to work every day to protect all of us, knowing that they are risking everything to do so.”

“On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor the men and women who put service before self, standing the line with courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protect others—often at great personal cost. Their bravery is measured not only in the dangers they face, but in the sacrifices their families quietly bear every day,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Officer Brian Sicknick exemplified that bravery, giving his life while defending our Nation’s Capitol and the principles it stands for. We will never forget that sacrifice, and we will always stand in gratitude and respect for those who wear the badge.”

“A life dedicated to service and country reminds us that the safety and stability we count on never happens by accident, it comes from those who never lose sight of their responsibility to the people around them,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “Officer Brian Sicknick showed up, did his duty, and stood firm when our democracy needed defending. A proud son of New Jersey, shaped by his family, his community, and his commitment to serving others, he will forever be remembered and deeply missed by his home state and by all who loved him.”

“This resolution to establish July 30 as ‘Brian Sicknick Day’ is a meaningful way to honor a New Jersey native who gave his life defending our democracy during the violent insurrection at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021,” said Senator Patrick Diegnan, Jr. “Five years later, we are honoring Officer Sicknick’s sacrifice and reaffirming our shared responsibility to uphold our democratic institutions and respect those who defend them.”

“Officer Sicknick served our nation in the military and as a police officer, ultimately giving his life in defense of our democracy on January 6, 2021,” said Senator Gordon Johnson. “This resolution will recognize both his lifetime of service and his tragic sacrifice for our nation.”

“We must all join together with the Sicknick family to mourn their loss and condemn the violence that occurred January 6th,” said Senator Jon Bramnick.

“Designating Brian Sicknick Day ensures that New Jersey formally recognizes the life, service, and sacrifice of a son of our state who answered the call to protect others,” said Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. “This designation ensures his legacy will always be remembered.”

“Officer Brian Sicknick represented the very best of public service,” said Assemblyman Sterley Stanley.“By setting aside this day each year, we ensure that the memory of his service is never forgotten and reaffirm our commitment to honoring those who lost their lives fulfilling their duty to protect others.”

“Officer Brian Sicknick answered the call to serve with courage and dedication,” said Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, Chair of the Public Safety and Preparedness Committee. “Honoring him with this designation is a meaningful way to ensure that future generations remember his service and the sacrifices made by those who protect others.”

“Officer Brian Sicknick was a national hero and a son of South River whose courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said South River Mayor Peter Guindi. “On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor his legacy, express our deep gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement who keep our communities safe, and take pride in a memorial garden that will stand as a lasting tribute to Officer Sicknick’s bravery and service.”

“The STFA is honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Governor Murphy honoring the legacy and memory of Officer Brian Sicknick, today as part of National Law Enforcement Day,” said Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association. “I can attest personally of the unwavering support and sympathy Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy have shown the State Police family in our times of loss and crisis during his tenure. In addition, from a policy stand point, a Governor Murphy has responded swiftly and seriously to the losses of many of our heroes by providing support for the heroes’ survivors by strengthening death benefits to those affected by COVID-19 and 9-11 related illnesses.”

“Five years later, the United States Capitol Police and those who knew him continue to honor our hero, Officer Brian Sicknick. Officer Sicknick was known for his professionalism, drive, and witty personality. The United States Capitol Police will always hold our friend and colleague close to our hearts, and we will never forget his bravery and dedication to his duty to the Department and our nation,” said United States Capitol Police Chief Michael G. Sullivan.

“Today, we pay tribute to fallen officer Brian Sicknick, honoring his dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice. It is our privilege to join countless veterans, first responders, and legislators in paying respects to the New Jersey hero,” said Michael Boll of New Jersey Veterans Network.

“It was an honor to join our fellow law enforcement  brothers and sisters during the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day event hosted by Governor Murphy. Our members have played a critical role in driving down crime in this state and in maintaining public safety. We often do not get the recognition we deserve for the sacrifices we make every day, so we are very grateful to the Governor for hosting this event and recognizing our essential service on behalf of the citizens of our great state,” said Daniel Oliveira, President, NJ Troopers NCO Association.

“The New Jersey Department of the VFW proudly supports Governor Murphy’s tribute honoring Officer Brian Sicknick, a New Jersey native, veteran, and fallen law enforcement officer. We stand with his family and the law enforcement community in remembering his service, sacrifice, and honorable commitment to our nation,” said Yvonne Zirriths, State Commander, Department of New Jersey, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“Proud to join Governor Phil Murphy on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to honor Officer Brian Sicknick, offering our deepest respect and hopes for comfort to his family,” said David Pearson of Catholic Charities.

“The American Legion Department of New Jersey stands with Governor Murphy in honoring Officer for his service and sacrifice. We the Veterans of the American Legion salute Brian Sicknick,” said American Legion Department Commander Dan Channel.