COURT HOUSE – The stark, black stone on the grounds of the Cape May County Police Academy bears the names of six law enforcement officers who gave their lives protecting the people of Cape May County. They were remembered for their bravery and dedication in an annual ceremony May 10.
Family and friends of the fallen law enforcement officers were present, from every county municipality, public officials and participants of the Police Unity Tour, a bicycle ride to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum in Washington.
Wildwood Chief of Police and President of the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association Robert Regalbuto read sobering statistics of officers who were killed in the line of duty, 40 so far this year. He stated that the number is behind the pace of last year.
Regalbuto stressed to the police recruits in attendance to pay attention in class and listen to their instructors.
“The last thing we want to do is come here to add your name to this memorial. Listen and learn,” Regalbuto said.
That message was echoed as each speaker stepped to the microphone.
“What courage the men on this memorial displayed,” said Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton. “Now it is left for those of us here to remember what is, versus what should have been.”
Freeholder Vice-Director Leonard Desiderio, who serves as county director of public safety and as mayor of Sea Isle City, recalled the day in August 1992 when Officer Michael Cullinane was killed by toxic fumes after rescuing a worker at a construction site.
“Michael (Cullinane) was a true hero. He rescued someone from the same construction pit the day before he was overcome by fumes,” Desiderio explained.
After addresses from Sen. Robert Andrzejczak, Assemblymen Matt Milam and Bruce Land (all D-1st) and Cape May County Sheriff Robert Nolan, the roll call of the fallen was given by police academy recruits:
* Officer Harry E. Shore, Ocean City.
* Chief Phillip DeSantis, Woodbine.
* Officer Michael Cullinane, Sea Isle City.
* Officer David C. Douglass, Lower Township.
* Officer Eugene Miglio, Wildwood Crest.
* Trooper Bertram Zimmerman, New Jersey State Police.
Wreaths were laid as bagpipes played “Amazing Grace,” followed by a three-volley salute.
After a moment of silence, the sound of “Taps” closed the ceremony to remember Cape May County’s heroes.
To contact Carl Price, email cprice@cmcherald.com.