Ocean County remembered its fallen police officers and all peace officers during the 31st annual Ocean County Law Enforcement Memorial Day Observance on May 20, at the Police Memorial at Ocean County Park, Lakewood.
Retired Police Chief William Dikun, who is the Chief Police Instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy, served as master of ceremonies and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer gave the keynote address.
Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, liaison to the Office of the Sheriff was joined by Ocean County Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea and Virginia E. Haines in presenting the Ocean County Board of Commissioners proclamation to Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane, representing the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association.
The Rev. James Occhipinti gave the Invocation and Benediction. Chief Dellane read the names of the 18 officers listed on the Police Memorial while recruits of Basic Police Class 112 placed a wreath at the monument and family members of the fallen officers placed roses in memory of their loved ones.
Also participating in the ceremony were honor guards and motorcycle squads, along with members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and numerous representatives of law enforcement agencies.
Sheriff’s Officer Nicole Tamburro sang the National Anthem, Sheriff’s Officer Bob Sinnott played the bagpipes, and the Point Pleasant Borough High School Panther Concert Band, under the direction of Scott Visco performed songs throughout the ceremony.
