CREST HAVEN – Six law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty were remembered May 10, Law Enforcement Memorial Day, at Cape May County Public Safety Training Center. Officers from departments throughout the county attended as did cadets who will soon wear badges and undertake the duty of public safety protection and enforcement.
Each fallen officer was saluted as their name was recited by police academy cadets from the 40th Basic Course for Police Officers, 49th Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers and 70th Class I Special Law Enforcement Officers.
Wreaths were placed by representatives of the Cape May County Police Academy, Cape May County PBA Local 59, Ocean City PBA Local 61, Cape May County FOP, and New Jersey State Police, Woodbine Barracks.
Cape-Atlantic Police and Fire Irish Pipe Brigade played “Amazing Grace.”
Cape May County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard presented the colors. The U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Ceremonial Detail rendered a three-volley salute followed by playing of “Taps” by a Coast Guard musician.
Honored officers were:
Harry E. Shore, Ocean City Police Department
Chief Philip DeSantis, Woodbine Borough Police Department
Michael Cullinane Sr., Sea Isle City Police Department
David C. Douglass Sr., Lower Township Police Department
Eugene Miglio, Wildwood Crest Police Department
Trooper Bertram Zimmerman, New Jersey State Police, Troop “A” Tactical Patrol Unit
Pastor Scott Durban of Cape Fellowship Chapel delivered the invocation and Benediction.
Speakers included:
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton, Freeholder Vice-Director and Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st), Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak and Assemblyman Bruce Land (both D-1st), County Prosecutor Robert Taylor and a representative from U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo’s office.
Joining county and state elected officials for the annual tribute were several hundred Police Unity Tour bicyclists from throughout New Jersey. Headed south to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, they will pedal onward to Washington, D.C. for the May 12 “Arrival Ceremony,” and then participate in the 28th Annual Candlelight Vigil May 13.
