In Remembrance: Police Officer Melvin Santiago, Jersey City Police Department

On Sunday morning, July 13, 2014, Police Officer Melvin Santiago, 23, was shot and killed while serving Jersey City, New Jersey.

Officer Santiago has now joined the hallowed halls of heroes who have served law enforcement with the ultimate sacrifice. He is a reminder of the continual danger for all police who serve and protect our communities.

As a young man, Officer Santiago choose the path of his uncle's police career footsteps-serving in a profession demanding dedication, courage and commitment. He is a tribute to his family, community, the Jersey City Police Department, all in law enforcement and to the ideals of America.

Officer Santiago will be promoted posthumously to the rank of detective and receive the police department's medal of honor-the highest award for an officer-at his wake on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

Officer Santiago is the first Jersey City Police Officer to be killed since Detective Marc DiNardo in July, 2009 after a shootout which left 4 other officers injured.

In Remembrance: Detective Marc DiNardo, Jersey City Police Department-July 24, 2009 blog

Detective Marc DiNardo, who died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 after being shot in a gun battle on July 16th, was honored at his funeral by family and thousands of his fellow officers, fire & EMT personnel, community leaders and concerned citizens. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Det. DiNardo, 37, had served the people of Jersey City for 10 years as a member of the Jersey City Police Department.

The tragic death of Det. DiNardo sadly reminds us of the potential dangers faced each day by those in law enforcement who serve, protect and defend us. America must always remember and be grateful for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and for those who continue to serve at the risk of their own safety.

Officer Melissa Bartholomew, a friend and police academy classmate of DiNardo offered heartfelt sentiments on behalf of the Jersey City Police Department and the family of Officer DiNardo: "He will be greatly missed. He had a personality you could never forget, and when he walked into a room we all loved him."

In Memoriam (2:40) Funeral Procession (7:31) Tribute (3:50)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUjiH3QC_Z4">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

Please remember Det. DiNardo, his family, friends, fellow officers in the Jersey City Police Department and all emergency service personnel in your prayers as they seek consolation during this difficult time.

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