JERSEY CITY — The naming of the new West District police station after Det. Melvin Santiago ran into some opposition on the City Council, despite getting the blessing of all three police unions.
Councilman Daniel Rivera had proposed naming the new station after Santiago, who died in the line of duty last month.
But several council members said they had concerns about naming a police station after a white police officer in a district primarily populated by people of color, noting that other officers of color might be equally deserving.
“I want to honor the officer, but I’m getting a lot of questions from my community,” said Councilwoman Diane Coleman.
Councilwoman Joyce Watterman suggested that a monument might be erected somewhere in the city honoring all police and fire members who gave their lives while on duty.
The matter is to be voted on at the Aug. 20 City Council meeting.
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