Dear Editor:
The recent murder of Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Santiago is a reminder of the inherent dangers of police work and the deadly hazards police officers face protecting our communities on a daily basis. Words cannot adequately express our feelings of grief about this senseless tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Santiago family and the JCPD.
This November, almost 40 years ago, we lost another officer, this time in Union City – Det. Nicholas M. Guirado. A devoted policeman and a true friend, Nick was a humble man, of great intellect, and a big heart. This loved husband and father was also my friend, ever since he had joined the Union City Police Department. It was indeed a privilege to have known him, both as a devoted officer, and an outstanding police detective. Here was a man of superlatively high standards, utmost integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for whatever task you undertook. No one who was privileged to have known him is likely to forget the candor of his speech, the courage of his faith, the warm and glowing brightness of his friendship. Throughout these last four decades, we have thanked Nicholas, not only for what have did or attempted to do, but for serving, in a more universal sense as an inspiration of the potential within all of us. Due to his inspiration, example, and ideals we have raised ourselves. He’s been a constant inspiration to many police officers who became officers for almost forty years.
Another individual who has been a great inspiration for the City of Union City and the State of New Jersey has been State Senator and Mayor Brian Stack. Throughout the years, Senator Stack has won the esteem and admiration of his city, and the people of New Jersey. He has always looked forward for the common good and welfare of the general community. As an exceptional leader for many years, Mayor Stack has served the City of Union City and its police department with great devotion, and he has consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner.
As the police department’s police director, he has continually performed his duties in an outstanding manner, serving with honor, loyalty, and distinction. During his tenure, he has been a man of ability, and fortitude, with tireless devotion, and above all, a sincere empathy and compassion towards the police department, the residents of Union City, and the State of New Jersey. Through his leadership, Senator’s Stack’s extraordinary efforts and accomplishments have created a more professional and efficient police department. Minority representation and the recruitment of women have dramatically increased in all positions in the department, and he has fostered a great example for other public safety agencies to follow. Senator Stack has consistently exemplified the highest ideals and standards of the ‘Police Service’.
In summary, Senator Brian Stack has served with Honor and Distinction, with unwavering dedication to duty, and professionalism, marked by unsurpassed dedication and fortitude.
Our greatest thanks to all of these men, for all that they have done.
Sincerely,
Capt. Charles Reinhardt (Grove)