Honoring the Fallen

Ocean County honored the memory of those heroes who have fallen in the line of duty and recognized all those who put themselves at risk in the fight against crime, violence and terrorism during the 34th annual Ocean County Law Enforcement Memorial Day Observance on May 16, at the Police Memorial at Ocean County Park, Lakewood. Retired Police Chief William Dikun, who is the Chief Police Instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy, served as master of ceremonies and Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines gave the keynote address. “Today, as we remember our fallen officers, we bid them a fond farewell and we pray for their families,” said Haines. “We thank them for protecting our American dream and we pledge that we shall always remember them as our heroes, not for the way they died but for the way they lived.” Haines was joined by Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi in presenting the Ocean County Board of Commissioners proclamation to Berkeley Township Police Chief Kevin H. Santucci, representing the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association. Police Chaplain Sergeant Christopher Burke of the Barnegat Township Police Department gave the Invocation and Benediction. Barnegat Township Police Chief Jason D. Carroll read the names of the 20 officers listed on the Police Memorial while recruits of Basic Police Class 121 placed a wreath at the monument and family members of the fallen officers placed roses in memory of their loved ones. Also participating in the ceremony were honor guards and motorcycle squads, along with members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and numerous representatives of law enforcement agencies. The Ocean County Vocational Technical School Performing Arts Academy Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Mary Kenny, sang the National Anthem and provided patriotic songs, and the Point Pleasant Borough High School Panther Concert Band, under the direction of Scott Visco performed songs throughout the ceremony.