Camden County Venue That Honors Murdered Officers Upgraded

In 1995, a pair of officers from Camden County were shot while attempting to serve a search warrant at a home on Sylvan Drive in Haddon Heights.

Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator, John McLaughlin, and Haddon Heights Police Officer John Norcross were tragically killed in that shooting.

Earlier this summer, the county honored these two with the unveiling and re-dedication of the newly-upgraded Norcross-McLaughlin Memorial Dell. Darlingside and special guest Matt Duke then kicked off a summer of entertainment.

“These brave men sacrificed their lives in the service of others, and their legacy will continue to inspire and embolden the people of this community,” Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash said. “I am glad for every opportunity to honor them in any way that we can, and paying tribute to these two men is the least we can do for them and their families.”

They were killed by Leslie Nelson, who shot them using an AK-47 because she “got scared” when they came to arrest her on a gun charge, according to The New York Times. Nelson is now serving a life sentence, according to Philly.com.

The Dell was built by the Roosevelt-era Works Progress Administration and first opened 87 years ago, according to Camden County officials.

It underwent major renovations and upgrades last summer. Those renovations included updated seating and expanded accessibility for those with disabilities. Capacity was increased from 3,500 to about 4,000, and the adjacent trails were improved to ease the transport of support equipment.

“We’re so excited about these upgrades because they give the venue a modern flair and improve the visitor’s experience without abandoning its backyard feel,” Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash said. “The Dell maintains its hidden-gem charm, but the newly-realized atmosphere is going to surprise a lot of people.”

The full schedule for the Norcross-McLaughlin Memorial Dell’s summer concert series can be found below:

• June 19: Firefall with special guest Christine Havrilla
• July 10: Upstate with special guest G.F. Patrick
• July 24: JD McPherson with special guest Adrien Reju
• Aug. 7: Natalie Prass with special guest Ali Awan
• Aug. 21: Anthony Green with special guest Jetty Bones

For the full schedule for the Camden County Summer Concert Series, click here.