A Statement from the Director of the Board of County Commissioners, Ronald G. Rios:

“It is with a heavy heart I am addressing the events that took place in D.C. on January 6th. I, like many of you, am horrified and saddened by the deplorable attack to our nation’s Capitol building and ultimately, our democracy. What makes this more heartbreaking is the tragic loss of life including Brian D. Sicknick, a South River native and U.S. Capitol police officer. Officer Sicknick is the fifth casualty of these heinous events.

Mr. Sicknick graduated from the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School – East Brunswick Campus on June 18, 1997. During his four years, Brian was well-liked by the faculty, who described him as a fine student and a kind young man.  From an early age, Brian expressed his desire to serve in law enforcement and he realized this dream in Washington, D.C. The Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools will plant an oak tree at the East Brunswick campus in honor of Brian Sicknick’s courage and strength.

Our community mourns the loss of this 14-year Air Force veteran and my heart goes out to the Sicknick family during this difficult time.

The riots that took place on Wednesday are not representative of who we are as a nation – we will not falter because of the provocations of a few. In the United States and here in Middlesex County, we believe in unity and peace –and deeply respect our democracy, our country, and our fellow Americans.”

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