Berkeley, Ocean Gate Police Pay Homage To Fallen Jersey City Police Officer

by Patricia A. Miller

The Berkeley Township and Ocean Gate police departments were well represented at slain Jersey City Patrolman Melvin Santiago's recent funeral.

"It's very important to all of us that we show support under these circumstances," Ocean Gate Mayor Paul J. Kennedy said. "They had give us a tremendous amount of support when we lost Officer Jay Marles."

"I'm proud of the several Berkeley police officers that attended the final services for Officer Santiago," Berkeley Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr.said. "On a personal note, I have law enforcement in my family, so I truly know the sacrifice these men and woman who serve our communities. God bless Officer Santiago and his family."

Berkeley officers Robertazzi, Smith, LaRocca, Bowens, Foca, Williams and Black made the trip to Jersey City, he said.

Ocean Gate officers LaRocaa, Sabitino, Crossley, Councilman Dave Kendrick (who is a retired Woodbridge police officer) and Woody Vassallo (a retired New York City firefighter) attended the services, Kennedy said.

Ocean Gate lost Patrolman Jay Marles early Thanksgiving morning in 2010, when a drunk driver slammed into his SUV after Marles had just finished his night shift. Marles had volunteered for a drunk driving detail that night.