Fallen police officers honored

In a ceremony attended by Mayor Steven Fulop, local and state elected officials, members of the Jersey City police force, and local community members, the Redstone: The Neighborhood Association (RTNA) last week honored two fallen Jersey City police officers and their families with a dedication ceremony at Lt. Robert Grover Park.
During the ceremony, two large white dogwood trees with plaques were unveiled bearing the names of Police Detectives Marc DiNardo and Melvin Santiago. This ceremony continued the legacy of RTNA of honoring Jersey City men and women who have lost their lives in service to their community and their country.
“It is an honor to recognize those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of our residents and neighborhoods,” said Mayor Fulop. “This is a lasting tribute that will preserve the legacy of Detectives Santiago and DiNardo as we salute them and all of our first responders who continue to protect and serve Jersey City.”
“The Lt. Grover Memorial Park is and always will serve as a park that honors our local fallen heroes,” said Julio Leiva, president of RTNA. “RTNA’s third annual ‘After Memorial Day’ service has been a day of remembrance for Detectives DiNardo and Santiago, as well as all the local men and women who have died while protecting the citizens of our city.”

Killed in action

Detective DiNardo died as a result of injuries suffered during a shootout on July 16, 2009. He is survived by his wife Mary and children Gwendolyn, Marc Anthony II and Ella.
Detective Santiago, a West Side resident, was killed on July 13, 2014 while responding to a robbery-in-progress at Walgreens on the corner of Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard.

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“It is an honor to recognize those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of our residents and neighborhoods.” – Mayor Steven Fulop
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The dogwood tree and plaque honoring Detective Santiago were donated by Stock Development Group. Matrix Development Group donated the tree and plaque honoring Detective DiNardo. In addition, a community bulletin board donated by Honeywell was unveiled during the event.
This was the third annual “After Memorial Day” event for RTNA, which has previously dedicated trees to fallen Hudson County soldiers Army Specialist Rafael A. Nieves Jr., Private First Class Leroy Deronde III and Specialist Marlon P. Jackson.