OCEAN COUNTY – Sergeant Matthew Horton of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office has passed away after battling COVID-19.
“On behalf of Sheriff Michael Mastronardy and the entire staff at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office we mourn the loss of Sgt. Matthew Horton #147,” the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Horton was the first commander of the Rapid Deployment Team and served in the Judicial, Field Services and Professional Standards Unit.
“He has always had a passion for law enforcement and helping others,” Travis Hoban stated in a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Horton had contracted COVID-19 in December and was in the hospital since January. During that time he struggled with pneumonia and other complications.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you all that Matt passed away on February 22. Matt leaves behind a wife and four sons that he loved unconditionally. He was such an amazing husband, father, and friend. Matt will always be remembered and forever missed,” Hoban wrote.
Currently, the community has raised nearly $3,000 through the GoFundMe, with a goal of $10,000 in order to cover expenses. If you would like to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/matthew-horton.
