TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Chris Christie signed Executive Order No. 203, ordering all State buildings to fly flags at half-staff on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, in recognition and mourning of Port Authority Police Officer Elise Bastardo.
Bastardo was born in Red Bank, and was raised in Wall Township. Bastardo earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Rutgers University in 2013 and then joined the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department as a graduate of the 113th Class of the Port Authority Police Academy, where she was a platoon leader. On Feb. 12, Bastardo tragically died following a motor vehicle accident.
“Officer Bastardo was a loving daughter, granddaughter, and sister, whose memory will be cherished by her family, friends, fellow officers, and all those fortunate to have known her,” said Christie. “Officer Bastardo served her State and the State of New York with professionalism and courage, and carried out her duties in accordance with the finest ideals and traditions of the Port Authority Police Department. It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Officer Bastardo, and we extend our sincerest sympathies to her family, friends, and fellow members of the Port Authority Police.”