Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.

OFFICER MELCHIONDA, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

THOSE CLOSE TO THIS HERO, PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS ACROSS THIS LAND, GRIEVE WITH YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

March 10, 2006

You and your family are in all of our prayers. Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman
Upper Chichester Twp. Police Dept.

March 10, 2006

Brother, you have left your watch way too early. May the residents of Watchung Boro realize the ultimate sacrifice you have made making their community a safer place to be.
On behalf of F.O.P. Lodge #39 and it's members, we send our condolences. May you rest peacefully as you are now on watch at the gates of Heaven. You will not be forgotten. Good Bye Brother.

Det. Richard Fedora / FOP #39 Delegate
Somerset County Sheriff's Officer's- F.O.P. #39

March 10, 2006

WHEN THE LORD WAS CREATING POLICE OFFICERS, HE WAS INTO HIS SIXTH DAY OF OVERTIME WHEN AN ANGEL APPEARED AND SAID,
"YOU'RE DOING A LOT OF FIDDLING AROUND ON THIS ONE."
AND THE LORD SAID, "HAVE YOU READ THE REQUIREMENTS ON THIS
ORDER? A POLICE OFFICER HAS TO BE ABLE TO RUN FIVE MILES THROUGH ALLEYS IN THE DARK, SCALE WALLS, ENTER HOMES THE HEALTH INSPECTOR WOULDN'T TOUCH, AND NOT WRINKLE THEIR UNIFORM."
"THEY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SIT IN AN UNDERCOVER CAR ALL DAY ON A STAKEOUT, COVER A HOMICIDE SCENE THAT NIGHT, CANVASS THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR WITNESSES, AND TESTIFY IN COURT THE NEXT DAY."
"THEY HAVE TO BE IN TOP PHYSICAL CONDITION AT ALL TIMES,
RUNNING ON BLACK COFFEE AND HALF-EATEN MEALS, AND THEY HAVE TO HAVE SIX PAIRS OF HANDS."
THE ANGEL SHOOK HER HEAD SLOWLY AND SAID, "SIX PAIRS OF HANDS . . . NO WAY!!"
"IT'S NOT THE HANDS THAT ARE CAUSING ME PROBLEMS," SAID THE LORD, "IT'S THE THREE PAIRS OF EYES AN OFFICER HAS TO HAVE."
"THAT'S ON THE STANDARD MODEL?" ASKED THE ANGEL.
THE LORD NODDED. "ONE PAIR THAT SEES THROUGH A BULGE IN A POCKET BEFORE THEY ASK, 'MAY I SEE WHAT'S IN THERE, SIR?'"
(WHEN THEY ALREADY KNOW AND WISH THEY'D TAKEN THAT ACCOUNTING JOB) "ANOTHER PAIR HERE IN THE SIDE OF THEIR HEAD FOR THEIR PARTNER'S SAFETY, AND ANOTHER PAIR OF EYES HERE IN FRONT SO THEY CAN LOOK REASSURINGLY AT A BLEEDING VICTIM AND SAY, 'YOU'LL BE ALRIGHT, MA'AM,' WHEN THEY KNOW IT ISN'T SO."
"LORD," SAID THE ANGEL, TOUCHING HIS SLEEVE, "REST AND WORK ON THIS TOMORROW."
"I CAN'T," SAID THE LORD, "I ALREADY HAVE A MODEL THAT CAN TALK A 250 POUND DRUNK INTO A PATROL CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT AND FEED A FAMILY OF FIVE ON A CIVIL SERVICE PAYCHECK."
THE ANGEL CIRCLED THE MODEL OF THE POLICE OFFICER VERY SLOWLY. "CAN IT THINK?" SHE ASKED.
"YOU BET," SAID THE LORD, "IT CAN TELL YOU THE ELEMENTS OF A HUNDRED CRIMES, RECITE MIRANDA WARNINGS IN ITS SLEEP, DETAIN, INVESTIGATE, SEARCH, AND ARREST A GANG MEMBER ON THE STREET IN LESS TIME THAN IT TAKES FIVE LEARNED JUDGES TO DEBATE THE LEGALITY OF THE STOP . . . AND STILL IT KEEPS ITS SENSE OF HUMOR. THIS OFFICER ALSO HAS PHENOMENAL PERSONAL CONTROL. THEY CAN DEAL WITH CRIME SCENES PAINTED IN HELL, COAX A CONFESSION FROM A CHILD ABUSER, COMFORT A MURDER VICTIM'S FAMILY, AND THEN READ IN THE DAILY PAPER HOW LAW ENFORCEMENT ISN'T SENSITIVE TO THE RIGHTS OF CRIMINAL SUSPECTS."
FINALLY, THE ANGEL BENT OVER AND RAN HER FINGER ACROSS THE CHEEK OF THE POLICE OFFICER. "THERE'S A LEAK," SHE PRONOUNCED, "I TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE TRYING TO PUT TOO MUCH INTO THIS MODEL."
"THAT'S NOT A LEAK," SAID THE LORD. "IT'S A TEAR."
"WHAT'S THE TEAR FOR?" ASKED THE ANGEL.
"IT'S FOR BOTTLED-UP EMOTIONS, FOR FALLEN COMRADES, FOR COMMITMENT TO THAT FUNNY PIECE OF CLOTH CALLED THE AMERICAN FLAG, FOR JUSTICE."
"YOU'RE A GENIUS," SAID THE ANGEL.
THE LORD LOOKED SOMBER. "I DIDN'T PUT IT THERE," HE SAID

Ptl. C. Johnson
Hampton Police Division

March 10, 2006

Though I never knew Ofcr Melchionda, I do remember the utmost professionalism of the Watchung PD when I was a Paramedic for Muhlenberg Hospital in the '80s.Now that I am a member of the vast LE family, his tragic loss will be felt throughout.Let's remember him as any other LEO would want ... with respect for what he believed in his heart was right and for the hero he is to everyone!All your brothers and sisters honor you.

Detective Joachim J. Dankanich
Mesa PD Mesa, AZ

March 10, 2006

The soul of man is immortal and imperishable. -Plato

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Melchionda -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs Police Protective Association

March 10, 2006

On behalf of the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department, PBA Local 165, we express our deepest sympathies and condolences to your family, friends, and members of the Watchung Police Department.May you rest in Eternal peace, Brother.

S/O Neil Raciti
Middlesex County Sheriff's Dept.

March 10, 2006

Brave and dedicated officers all across America risk their lives in service to fellow citizens and country, every hour of every day. Today we mourn the loss of Officer Matthew Melchionda who lost his life preserving the lives of others and serving his community. I want to express my sorrow at his loss and extend my condolences to his family and his fellow police officers in the Watchung Police Department.

Those of us who are family members of a police officer know the fear and sorrow a news of fallen officer brings. I pray that Officer Melchionda's family and friends (of whom my son was one) find some solice in that he acted to save others and that there are many who appreciate his efforts and mourn his loss.

Gloria Anderle
Mt. Arlington, NJ

March 10, 2006

My prayers and thanks to all who knew and miss Officer Melchionda.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

March 10, 2006

Rest in peace

Patrolman

March 10, 2006

My heart felt condolences go out to Office Melchionda's family, friends and co-workers.

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane
EOW 8/26/92, Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department and
Spouse of a Montgomery County, MD Police Officer

March 10, 2006

JUST A COP

The funeral line was long; There's an awful lot of cars.
Folks came out of the restaurants; They came out of the bars.

The workers at the construction sites, all let their hammers drop.
Someone asked, "What is all this for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."

Some chuckled at the passing cars, some shed a silent tear.
Some people said, "It's stupid," all these dumb policemen here."

"How come they're not out fighting crime, or in a doughnut shop?
Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."

They blocked the intersections, they blocked the interstate.
People yelled and cursed,"Man, this is gonna make me late!"

"This is really ridiculous!" They're making us all stop!"
"It seems they are sure wastin' time, on someone who's just a cop."

Into the cemetery now, the slow procession comes.
The woeful Taps are slowly played; There's loud salutes from guns.

The graveyard workers shake their heads; "This service is a flop."
"There's lots of good words wasted, on someone who's just a cop."

Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day.
Trying to protect us, until they took his life away.

And when he got to heaven, Saint Peter put him at the top.
An angel asked him,"Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."

Ptl. D'Onofrio #119
Sayreville Police

March 10, 2006

With deepest regards and sympathy,THANK YOU for watching over those on the street,GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.MY SYMPATHY ALSO GOES TO THE WATCHUNG POLICE DEPT.REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE,ITS OUR WATCH NOW,,,,,

OFC.J.L."PEPE'"HERNANDEZ
ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPT.

March 10, 2006

Thank you Officer for your dedication and service. My prayers go out to your family. May God be with them during this difficult journey.

Michelle and Shawn Rogers
Sister and Brother-in-law of Sgt. J. Dragus EOW 10/20/05

Michelle and Shawn Rogers

March 10, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Officer Melchionda. Rest in peace brother.

Trooper
New Jersey State Police

March 10, 2006

Matt,
It doesn't seem real yet. My grief is now with your family, but I know that mine will be realized once this sets in. I know I will miss your big words, your distinctive laugh, your advice, and so much more. I'll watch out for Davey... we all will.

-s

sa

March 10, 2006

May you rest in peace Officer Melchionda. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Speed!!

Officer Joshua D. Bowman
Gates Police Department, Rochester, NY

March 10, 2006

I will pray for Officer Melchionda and his family in their hour of need. May God Bless them and bring them peace. God Bless All Police Officers in this great country

Grace Campanaro - citizen

March 10, 2006

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9) God Bless the Melchionda Family and the Watchung Police Department. Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman Jeff Lannon
Human Services PD

March 10, 2006

To the wife and family of Officer Melchionda and the brothers in blue of the Watchung PD. Words cannot express the grief and sadness I feel for the loss of your husband, friend, and fellow Officer. This is a tragic loss for the entire law enforcement community.

The most important thing you can do right now is to watch over and take good care of his wife and family, and take care of each other. The loss of a brother Officer takes a long time to heal, I lost a great friend and brother in blue less than a year ago, Officer Jesse E. Sollman (eow) March,25 2005 and our department is still going through the healing process.

Also, Artie im very sorry for your loss, I can't believe you have to go through this again in less than a year. Artie you are a great guy and if anybody can help your guy's get through this, it's you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do or our department can do, please let me know.

Stay safe and god bless you all.

Mike Orchulli

Lieutenant Michael J. Orchulli
City of Easton Police Department

March 10, 2006

With sympathy for the loss of Police Officer Matthew Melchio on behalf of the County of Hunterdon.

Director George F. Wagner
Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety

March 10, 2006

On behalf of the entire Sheriff's Office please accept our most heartfelt condolences for the lose of Officer Melchionda. He will not be forgotten.
May God bless him and keep him safe.

Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano
Somerset County Sheriff's Office,NJ

March 10, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Matthew Melchionda and to his brother officers of the Watchung Police Department. During this most difficult time may all of you find comfort in your faith and in knowing that Matthew's sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Captain Gary S. Hoats
Somerset County Sheriff's Office

March 10, 2006

Officer Melchionda may you Rest in Peace for making the ultimate sacrifice by giving your life to Protect the Citizens of Watchung. May God Bless you, your Family, Friends, and Brother Officers at Watchung PD.

Captain Jeff Thompson
Somerset County Sheriff's Office

March 10, 2006

rest in peace

Patrolman
Brush PD Colorado

March 10, 2006