Patrolman Eugene J. Miglio, III

I never had the privilege of working with him, but for 16 years I have attended the memorial service for Officer Miglio. I was once one of those younger officers that Ana had spoke of in her post on Gene's 10th anniversary, but now I am sad to say that I am one of the old guys in our department. As we prepare to honor Gene's memory on the 22nd anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice, I am thinking about what I have learned standing in front of his tree and memorial for all those years. What has he taught me.

That tomorrow is never promised and to make the most of today.

That tickets and arrests will be forgotten quickly, but how you treat people will be remembered forever.

That you should have fun with the guys who work alongside you.

That those who wish to harm us or escape justice don't care where you work, how many calls you handle, how many officers are in your agency, or who you will leave behind, They see only an obstacle to their freedom, so always stay vigilant and prepared for the worst.

That your loss will be felt by those who knew and loved you for years to come.

That we will never forget our fallen. There will always be someone standing under that tree to remember your sacrifice.

Officer Miglio and his sacrifice is part of the fabric and history of our department and our community. His humor is still used, "Quiet I'm broadcasting", his love for his community is still remembered, his loss is still felt. From what I have learned listening to all of the stories shared throughout the years, Gene was a funny (really funny), compassionate, and caring man who loved his family, friends, and community. His memory is shared with each generation of new officer that joins our ranks. Sgt. Bill Kita shared it with me and now I have the privilege to pass it on to the next generation. If we do it right, many years after we are gone, a Wildwood Crest Police Officer who never worked with Gene will still be able to stand under that tree and speak of the type of man and officer he was. They will be able to speak of the fact that he was a good man who died a hero answering an officer's call for help. May we always honor that greatest of law enforcement traditions and never forget Gene or his sacrifice. As his wife, Barb, once reminded me "because he was good man and a good officer and he deserves nothing less".

So on Friday, June 2nd, we will gather at Officer Miglio's memorial site, share stories and a few laughs I'm sure, remember the man and honor his sacrifice. I will stand in front of the tree by the bay and see what lesson he can teach me this year.

Rest in Peace Gino. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Richard D'Amico Jr.
Wildwood Crest Police Dept.

May 23, 2017