Survivors Remember Lives Lost in Line of Duty

NORTH WILDWOOD – From the far corners of the mid-Atlantic states they came, gathering in Wildwood Catholic High-School’s auditorium at 7 p.m. as a misty drizzle enshrouded the island.
Holding programs, laughing, and talking with friends both old and new, survivors gathered to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who served as police and fire officials and lost their lives in the line of duty.
Mid-Atlantic Police and Fire Survivors’ Weekend “is unique in that it is currently the only event that focuses on the survivor,” as stated in a previously released statement. The survivors – wives, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters – have come together for the past annual commemorations, making the Oct. 1 service their 16th. 
Hosted by the city of North Wildwood, Police Chief Matthew Gallagher welcomed all who attended.
“It’s an honor to host this event,” said Gallagher during his opening statements.
After introducing the evening’s speakers, Freeholder E. Marie Hayes took the podium. Hayes served in the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office until her retirement as captain of detectives in 2009.
“You are not alone and your loved ones will never be forgotten,” said Hayes.
Hayes continued to sketch out the dangers faced by fire, police, and corrections officers on a daily basis: “We run toward danger, not away, so others can be safe.”
The invocation was given by retired Chaplin Sgt. Don Helms of the Baltimore Police Department. Following the invocation, Macey Bishoff, a student of Wildwood Catholic, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the Cape May Emerald Society Honor Guard raised their banners and heels clicked in salute.
The service featured Sgt. Raymond Kupla of the Salem County Sheriff’s Department, a survivor of a stabbing, Dara Baker, daughter of correction’s officer Frederick Baker who died in 1997, Robert Higgins, president of the Retired Firefighter’s Association of Philadelphia who spoke of the Gulf Refinery tragedy of 1975, and George Greenland, retired officer of the North Wildwood Police Department.
Memorial wreaths were also laid during the memorial service, laid by surviving family members and escorted by officers from various state police departments.
“The spouses and children are heroes,” said Higgins during his speech. Kupla also added his thoughts on what it means to be a “survivor:” “To carry on despite hardship and trauma, to persevere.”
As glow sticks later cracked and illuminated the auditorium, those present took part in the ongoing legacy and story of those whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.