The West District police station has been officially named for Det. Melvin Santiago on the first anniversary of his death in the line of duty.
“Three hundred sixty-five days ago, Det. Melvin Santiago was ambushed and murdered by performing his duties as Jersey City West District officer,” said Police Captain Michael Kelly during a ceremony on July 13. “Today we are assembled to dedicate the new West District police station. Although we are excited and grateful to do work in this beautifully new building, we are mindful of the solemnness of this dedication.
Mayor Steven Fulop joined other public officials, police, and the family of the fallen officer on July 13 to dedicate the police station in Santiago’s honor and to pay tribute to all the police officers who have died while on the job.
“Melvin served Jersey City with honor and sacrificed his life to protect the city he loved, and he was so proud to serve in the West District,” Fulop said.
Kelly’s remarks underscored the danger of being a street cop. “Being a West District police officer is not easy,” he said. “Being a police officer is not easy. But we know we stand on the backs of all the police officers who have given their lives for the protection of the people of Jersey City. Today, the West District will stand on the shoulders of Det. Melvin Santiago for generations to come.”
By most accounts, the West District is the roughest in the city. Santiago, according to Police Director James Shea, had insisted on working there.
Ambushed while responding to a call
Santiago, 23, was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center after being shot while responding to a report of an armed robbery at the Walgreen’s store at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard early on July 13, 2014, two days shy of his first anniversary of being sworn in as a police officer.
Lawrence Campbell, who reportedly took a gun from a store security guard, opened fire on Santiago and his partner Ismael Martinez, as they arrived.
Other officers responded to the scene a moment afterward and returned fire, killing Campbell.
“Melvin served Jersey City with honor and sacrificed his life to protect the city he loved.” – Mayor Steve Fulop
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“Jersey City was heartbroken. You can’t lose someone like that and not feel,” he said. “The Jersey City police department was heartbroken. Yet every single police officer came to work every single day, and displayed compassion and honor in dealing with their duties.”
There have been 38 Jersey City officers killed in the line of duty since 1880.
“By dedicating this building in his name, Melvin’s legacy will continue to live on and will not be forgotten,” Fulop said. “As we stand here honoring this brave hero, we are reminded of the dangers our police officers and first responders face every day. They go to work each day not knowing what they will face and whether or not they will come home at night. Yet their protective service for the community seems to be unwavering. Our men and women in blue commit bravery each day they put on their uniform.”
Always wanted to be a cop
Santiago was sworn in on July 15, 2013. He studied criminal justice at Hudson County Community College and attended the CREATE Charter School in Jersey City, from which he graduated in 2009. He was one of three high school students from Hudson County to earn the New Jersey Rising Scholars Award in 2008.
“Melvin was a true hero and took pride in his job and loved his city,” said Police Chief Phillip Zacche. “It was his lifelong dream to become a Jersey City police officer, and in the short time he served he was an outstanding one.”
Santiago had wanted to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Frank DeFazio, a 26-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department. Family members recall that he dreamed of protecting the neighborhood he grew up in.
“We gather here not just to mark the dedication, but also in a moment of reflection,” Fulop said. “It is here in the West District that Melvin lived, and it is here in the West District that Melvin chose to serve as a Jersey City Police officer. From a young age, Melvin knew he wanted to become a police officer. Not only did he come from a family of law enforcement officers, but love of his community reinforced that goal throughout his life. Melvin spent his entire life here in Jersey City. He played on a bowling team here in Jersey City. He was a soccer goalie here in Jersey City, and he loved playing football here in Jersey City. When it came time to serve, Melvin did everything he could to give back to the city he loved.”
Mother sad, but proud
“When I said good night to Melvin that night he went to work a year ago today, I had no idea that it would be the last time he would walk through that door,” said Cathy McBride, Santiago’s mother. “I know Melvin is smiling down on us today. While we will never get over the pain of losing Melvin, it is an honor that he will be remembered for generations to come in the place and community he loved.”
She thanked the Jersey City residents who have reached out to her. “It has truly been an honor and humbling with how supportive everybody has been. Melvin was an amazing person and he loved being a police officer. He loved his family. He loved his brother. He loved his aunts, his uncles, his cousins. He loved his friends. He just wanted to make everybody proud. His smile was infectious. I could look at him and it would make me smile. I’m so proud of him.”
A long wait for a new station
The new station, which cost about $11 million to construct, has been built to meet LEED silver environmental standards.
This is the first new police station constructed in 30 years, and will house about 150 police officers and will include the West District detective bureau and the department’s Cease Fire Unit.
“This police station will not only be a state of the art facility for our officers, but will be a memorial to Melvin and all the officers who had died in the line of duty protecting Jersey City,” said Shea.
Inside the lobby is a statue designed by sculptor Brian P. Hanlon. While modeled after a similar tribute in Atlantic City to fallen police officers, this statue was created with Santiago’s likeness.
“I waited 36 years to see a new building, and be honest with you, I’m trying to hold back tears,” Zacche said. “This building is a place of honor, a place of memory, to remember Melvin and all the other officers we lost over the years.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.