Injured Deptford police officer 'still fighting' after being shot on duty

The Deptford Police Department had fresh coffee and cake — a lot of cake — on a rainy Friday afternoon, courtesy of the family of Officer Robert "Bobby" Shisler, shot in the line of duty, and as of April 28, still hospitalized for injuries sustained in the March 10 incident.

"The outpouring of support has been ..." Detective Sgt. Bob Jones searched for the right word. "... Just overwhelming."

The Deptford community and Shisler's brothers and sisters in blue have all rallied to support the officer's family and colleagues, with more than 1,500 donors giving nearly $132,000 to a GoFundMe to help Shisler and his family. A variety of fundraisers throughout the Gloucester County town, as well as blood drives in Shisler's honor, have kept him front of mind for many people, something for which the 27-year-old's colleagues are grateful, Jones said.

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Lawn signs reading "Shisler Strong" were to be sold Friday evening at the Deptford Township Police and Municipal Building, with a limited supply that a family representative said would be replenished soon. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Shisler and his family.

On April 11, Nichole Rodgers, who organized the online fundraiser, wrote, "It has now been over a month since the incident, and Bobby is still fighting hard at Cooper Hospital to survive."

"The Shisler family (and the rest of us) are thankful for every bit of progress he makes in his recovery, big and small," Rodgers added. "Every day that passes is truly a blessing. Bobby has a long road ahead of him but he’s fighting with everything he’s got."

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Jones, asked about Shisler's condition, deferred to the family for any medical updates. Attempts to reach the family have been unsuccessful, but it's clear they are appreciative of the support they've received from the officer's law enforcement colleagues and the community.

"From businesses in town to school students holding flags and residents in town, it’s been ... Well, I can’t put into words how much it means to us and to the family," said Jones, the department's public information officer.

"The family is holding up very well," he added. "They're like us, a very tight-knit crew. They're a lifelong Deptford family, and their strength comes from each other."

Franklin Township police teamed with Memory Layne to produce a tribute video, showing that department's support for Shisler and the Deptford Department.

Residents in Deptford have been lighting their homes in blue, as well, prompting this post from the department:

"The love we have for this town ... for the residents ... for our business community," Deptford police posted on its Facebook page. "We just can’t wrap our heads around the support you’ve shown Officer Bobby Shisler and the rest of our Officers. We appreciate your kindness more than words can describe. Honestly, we’re speechless. We love you all!!"

"He’s still fighting," an April 19 post noted. "We continue to praise the doctors, nurses, and professional staff at Cooper for their efforts ... Officer Shisler remains in the hospital and he’s still fighting like a warrior every single day!"

The department shared other ways to support law enforcement, including donating blood, carrying a tourniquet (credited with saving Shisler's life) and taking first aid courses.

Another Facebook page, Support DTPD, includes several posts with local businesses' efforts to support Shisler, as well as upcoming fundraisers and blood drives.

Shisler was shot while making a traffic stop on Delsea Drive; a foot pursuit ensued and Shisler struggled with Mitchell Negron, 24, resulting in both men being shot. Negron, of Deptford, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Shisler was rushed to Cooper University Hospital in Camden.

As per state law with any death involving an encounter with law enforcement, the incident is under investigation by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

How to support Officer Bobby Shisler

The GoFundMe for Officer Shisler: www.gofundme.com/f/support-police-officer-bobby-shisler

Support DTPD on Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090884088003

Phaedra Trethan has been a reporter and editor in South Jersey since 2007 and has called the region home since 1971. Contact her at ptrethan@gannettnj.com, on Twitter @wordsbyPhaedra, or by phone at 856.486-2417.

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Shot in line of duty March 10, Deptford officer 'still fighting'