PHOTOS & VIDEO: Ocean County officials gathered Friday to remember its fallen police officers and peace officers during the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Day Service in Lakewood.
“We take this day to celebrate the lives of OceanCounty’s fallen officers,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. “As we recall those whose names are etched on the Police Memorial, we remember that they have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their service will never be forgotten.”
The annual event is hosted by the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association with the support of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Retired Police Chief William Dikun, who is the Chief Police Instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy, served as master of ceremonies. Mayor Menashe P. Miller gave the keynote address.
The Point Pleasant Borough High School Panther Concert Band, under the direction of Scott Visco performed, as well as the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools Performing Arts Academy Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Mary Huhmann, vocal music instructor. Also participating were honor guards, motorcycle squads, bagpipers along with members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, the New Jersey State Police and representatives of law enforcement agencies from throughout Ocean County.
The families of those Ocean County officers killed in the line of duty were recognized during the ceremony during the placement of a wreath at the Police Memorial.
The Police Memorial monument at the Police Academy now lists the names of 15 officers from Ocean County that have died. Those names that appear on the Police Memorial at Ocean County Park are: New Jersey State Trooper First Class Joseph A. Smith, Aug. 4, 1927; New Jersey State Trooper Leonard P. McCandless, June 28, 1931; New Jersey State Trooper John J. Ressler, May 1, 1932; Marshal Arnold Johnson, Point Pleasant Police Department, July 22, 1928; Police Officer Hartley Richter, Lakewood Police Department, April 8, 1946; New Jersey State Trooper Raymond P. Fiola, February 19, 1962; Chief Angelo J. Leonetti, Long Beach Township Police Department, March 6, 1962; Police Officer Robert T. Tobias, Manchester Township Police Department, May 17, 1975; Police Officer Richard J. Harper, Brick Township Police Department, May 4, 1978; Police Officer Larry A. Dunfee Jr., Stafford Township Police Department, April 27, 1981; Police Officer Robert Ventura, Jackson Township Police Department, March 18, 2001; Police Officer William Preslar , Lakewood Township Police Department, May 14, 2007; Police Officer Jason C. Marles, Ocean Gate Police Department, November. 25, 2010; Police Officer Christopher A. Matlosz, Lakewood Police Department, Jan. 14, 2011; Detective Tina E. Rambo, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, August 1, 2011.
The event today also boasted Lakewood PBA’s bus, from which State PBA Delegate Steven Kelusak and Officer Sean Ward served hot coffee, donuts and other items to the visiting officers and families. [TLS]
You are all heroes and chose lives dedicated to the service of your community. May your families find comfort and solace in the sacrifices that you made, knowing that your bravery and valor made your lives memorable and inspirational to all. May your children grow to lead honorable and successful lives, knowing that the parent that they are missing so much, is not forgotten, and lived a fuller life for having been so involved in serving the public good.