Princeton cops honor teen who died as one of their own

Princeton police officers came out in force last week to pay tribute to a teenager who wanted to grow up to be a cop but who sadly passed away on September 15, 2016.

Owen Bardzilowski, 14, was a student at Princeton High School. He took his own life, according to a post on Facebook by his father, Joe Bardzilowski. Owen participated in the Princeton Police Department's Youth Academy Program, where he got to know many local officers. He was a counselor there this past summer, according to an obituary.

Cops came to the funeral home to say farewell to Owen and show their support for his grieving family.

"They put black bands across their badges. They lined up and two by two the paid their respects to their fallen brother with a prayer and a salute," Joe wrote on Facebook. "They stood guard by his casket for the entire day taking turns and doing an official changing of the guard on a perfectly timed rotation."

Owen left behind his parents, three siblings, and three grandparents.

 "The men and women in blue in this town are the best in the business," Joe wrote. "Such a caring and loving group of officers."