A New Jersey state trooper killed in a head-on collision while on the job has Polk County ties.

  • Trooper Frankie Williams was 31 years old
  • Had recently joined NJ force, wed

Trooper Frankie Williams, 31, was killed Monday while responding to a call. He had only been an officer for a couple of months.

Williams was also a newlywed.

Polk County resident Derrick Bennett served as best man at Williams' wedding in Atlantic City.

"It's devastating for everybody. I feel so bad for Kim," Bennett said. "I was so glad to see them at their wedding, the happiest day of both of their lives. They were only married for less than two months."

The Polk County Sheriff's Office posted a tribute to Williams on its Facebook page.

Former neighbor Donna Wood, who also works at the Polk County Sheriff's Office, remembers Trooper Williams as "Frankie," the fearless little boy she used to watch play in her back yard. He grew up with Wood's children.

"It seemed like all the pieces in his life had finally come together and were fitting perfectly into a life he should have had, that he deserved. Unfortunately, it was cut entirely too short," Wood said.

It is unclear when Trooper Williams will be laid to rest.