Eamonn Mautone was sworn in to the department in August of 2014 and assigned the World Trade Center command, according to the Port Authority Police.
Eamonn Mautone during the Port Authority Police Academy. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Maarleveld)EAST BRUNSWICK -- An off-duty Port Authority Police officer, who was on the force for just over a year, died early Tuesday morning in a car crash on the New Jersey Turnpike, according to authorities.
The accident occurred in the southbound truck lanes on the highway at about 3:20 a.m. when Eamonn Mautone lost control of his Subaru and crashed into the left guard rail, said State Police Sgt. J. Botti of the Cranbury barracks.
No other cars were involved in the crash.
Police believe the rainy conditions overnight may have played a role in the accident, according to Botti.
Sworn in to the department in August of 2014 as part of the Port Authority Academy's largest ever graduating class, the 113th, Mautone had been assigned the World Trade Center command, according to the Port Authority Police.
"Mautone was always a guy that could put a smile on your face," said Jason Nielsen, a fellow officer and classmate. "Even during the toughest of times, he would always have a smile that could lift you up and it was an honor to have worked with him at the World Trade Center Command".
One of Mautone's instructors at the academy, Joshua Maarleveld, said it was somber day for the department. Although, he didn't know Mautone well, Maarleveld described the officer as an outstanding recruit, who was "on his way to a great career."
Eamonn MautoneThe Port Authority Police Superintendent Michael Fedorko also issued a statement.
"The Port Authority family suffered a loss this morning with the death of Port Authority Police Office[r] Eamonn J. Mautone, who was fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident while off duty in New Jersey," Fedorko said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Mautone's family, friends and fellow officers during this difficult time."
NJ Advance Media reporter Brian Amaral contributed to this report.
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
