Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The suspect will never be missed by civilized human beings. You, Officer Santiago will be missed, not only by all who know and love you best, but by ALL civilized human beings who know that it was your selfless attention to duty that caused you to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Those you have left behind will mourn, probably forever, but so long as they keep you in their hearts and minds and believe, you will always be there for them.

God Bless you and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 13, 2014

It's a sad day when a young man gives his life in the performance of his duty, my thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Carsten Losse veteran E6
Veteran US Army

July 13, 2014

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J.D.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's office

July 13, 2014

Rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Jim Russo
NJDOC

July 13, 2014

Our prayers and heart felt thoughts are with Officer Santiago's family and the Jersey City Police Department.

Area Commander Kevin Lundy
Federal Protective Service

July 13, 2014

Prayers for family, partner, department family and friends. Tears from the Northwest Georgia Mountains. Officer Santiago is now in the loving arms of our Lord never to be hurt again.

Patty Cuoco Lipari Schoen-Jones
Concerned Citizen

July 13, 2014

The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Psalms 37:39-40
Rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Paul Schanno- Honor Guard Member
State of MN Dept. of Corrections MCF-Stillwater

July 13, 2014

As a parent of a current Jersey City Police Officer, I worry every time my child goes out on the streets. Although I and my child did not know Melvin, I feel for his loss. I cannot fathom the loss that his family is feeling. From what I've read, Melvin always wanted to be in law enforcement. He has passed doing what he loved, trying to make this a better city. It does not make it any easier for the family or friends. But know that I and many of Jersey City's residents truly grieve with you. God Bless.

Father of a Jersey City Policeman

July 13, 2014

Dearest family, our heart hurts for you and the loss of your beloved. May God shine his light upon you and grant you peace.

Clergy
Support

July 13, 2014

R.I.P. young warrior...

Investigator(retired) Dave Martin
Pa. DOC

July 13, 2014

Only the bravest wear a badge! My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and the Jersey City PD.

IMPD wife

July 13, 2014

RIP God speed to you and your family

Stephen Bruet PPO II
North Carolina Department of Public Safety

July 13, 2014

RIP brother Melvin.

May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.

Det. Bevenour
Gettysburg Police Department

July 13, 2014

MELVIN SANTIAGO MAY YOU R I P

MICHAEL LONG
NY STATE POLICE RETIRED

July 13, 2014

My wife and I have known Melvin for about 5 - 6 years. Co - workers from his previous employer said being a P.O. for JC was his dream. He was THE nicest person, in a long time, that I have had the pleasure of meeting. He was always gracious and ecstatic when I would give him one of my Honor Legion courtesy cards. JC is short one cop's cop tonight. He was my friend, my BROTHER, my HERO. Condolences to your Immediate Family as well as the Jersey City Police Department Family

Michael Cubberly
Retired - Hudson Cnty Dept. of Corrections

July 13, 2014

The law enforcement community is truly sadden by the untimely passing of Police Officer Melvin Santiago. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go to the family, friends, and coworkers of Officer Santiago. We would also like to thank him for his service. May his soul rest in peace.

Zone Five Academy Session 57
New York State Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy

July 13, 2014

There is no greater sacrifice. Thank you for your service Officer Santaigo.

The shooter wished to be famous. He is famous. He is presently center stage with he evil co-horts dancing on the hot coals in hell. He will remain there for eternity.

Deputy NC
Stanly CoSo

July 13, 2014

Thank you for your time of service.
I salute you and your family.

Randalyn Benson
Survivor Daughter of Chief James Leonard Speer

July 13, 2014

RIP in peace, my fallen brother.

Det (Retired)
NYPD

July 13, 2014

RIP Brother, thank you for what you have given.Our thoughts & prayers are with you, your family & friends and the Jersey City P.D. God Bless.

Lt.Robert M.Petty (Retired)
North Bergen N.J.P.D.

July 13, 2014

To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Melvin Santiago-my heartfelt empathy and sympathy to you. Police work-such a dangerous job. Your loved one faced that danger courageously and will be forever honored in our profession. I will be praying for you.

Sgt Scott Bodah
Syracuse, New York Police Department

July 13, 2014

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright BMI © 1993 - All Rights Reserved

Investigator Davdi L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

July 13, 2014

Rest in Peace Brother and my God bring you into his kingdom. May God give peace to your family, co-workers and friends. We will have you and your family in our prayers.

Officer Walter Duran
US Fish and Wildlife Service

July 13, 2014

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place.
As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say “it’s OK, you’re with your eternal partners.”
A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.
Officer Jim Weaver (#11452), Los Angeles Police Department retired
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Retired)
Jerome County, Idaho Sheriffs Office

July 13, 2014

Maybe God needs His best soldiers somewhere else right now. I know our loved ones are sad when they look down and see us sad. Maybe they say; "Lets be happy and grateful for the love we shared and the memories we took the time to make and then let us pray for the souls that will never know those gifts. We will all see each other again at end of trail. Lean on those that love us and share our earthly loss for they will help you bring out your greatest strength."

Love transcends all things.
Time, space and even our passing.

I know this to be true as I feel my departed grandmothers touch on my arm and hear her calming voice.

With respect and prayers for strength.
You are not alone.
Godspeed.

Citizen Volunteer
Los Angeles Police Department

July 13, 2014