Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The brotherhood of the Police, Government and society in general need to think deeply about the tragic events leading to Detective Santiago's death. I favor changing procedures and how society operates to eliminate this sad occurance from repeating. As we move on, no one should fear their death. Fear not living a fulfilled life.

Roddy James Tricarico
Municipal employee

August 20, 2023

Prayer for Healing from Loss of Police Officer
Jesus, the Great Physician, the loss of life of one of our police officers is so very painful and devastating to endure. It can ravage a community for such a long time. I ask that You come and dwell in our midst. Let Your holy word be a healing balm that soothes our wounds and allows us to heal from the loss of this police officer. Help us to learn from his/her selfless example of dedication and devotion to protecting us. Let our memories of him/her not be ones of sadness for their loss, but of celebration of a life lived in the image of You. Amen.

Never forgotten Mel! Bless your beautiful family my brother and enjoy Heaven

Glenn
Jersey City Police

July 13, 2022

God bless you soul and we thank you for your service. Our prayers are always with your family.

Noel A Rodriguez
Grateful Citizen

July 14, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

July 13, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 13, 2020

Rest In Peace brother , I remember reading about your death during my rookie year . I Still think about the ultimate sacrifice you made often . Thank you for your service Brother . We got the watch from here ...

Officer Jeff Wallace
D.C- Metropolitan Police Department

December 2, 2019

Think about you often Mel. Tomorrow we will do a the “SANTIAGO” CrossFit workout in your honor!

Ofc C.Manzo
Hudson County NJ

July 12, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 12, 2018

Rest IN Peace LOVE, Thank you for your services. Although I serve in a different city in New Jersey I’m born and raised and Jersey City and this story touched my heart

Police
Newark Police Department

May 23, 2018

Thank you for your service. May you Rest in Peace.

Lailly

December 8, 2017

Rest in peace my brother. Thank you for your service.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

July 13, 2017

I will always miss you and I love you Mel.

Joey DeFazio
Close Cousin

October 29, 2016

Melvin I will always miss you and I love you

Joey DeFazio
Close Cousin

October 29, 2016

We love you littler Melvin. Always in our thoughts and heart, grandaunt, Tity Carmen, and all the Santiago family.

Juanita Lopez,Grandaunt, Santiago family
The Santiago Family

November 6, 2015

You are missed Mel...

2650 MYM

Firefighter Brendon Sponheimer
EGTFR

October 26, 2015

RIP

Detective Dennis Pothos
Fort Lee, NJ Police Department

May 29, 2015

Detective, I am a member of Law Enforcement United and just recently rode in the 2015 Rode To Hope ride from Reading, PA to Washington D.C. in your honor. Your name has been added to my bicycle and I wear an honor band with your name on it everyday. You, your family (both blood and blue), and friends will forever be remembered. RIP 2650 and thank you for your service.

Ofc. Melissa Sugalski
Long Hill Twp. PD, NJ

May 26, 2015

I remember hearing the news of Officer Santiago's untimely passing and feeling more sadness than I can explain. Ever EOW across the nation hurts, but one in your home state just stings a little more.. As the one year anniversary of your passing approaches, you are remembered by thousands across the Garden State. Thank you for your service, 2650. You are not forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Trooper Youth Steven Hand
New Jersey State Police

April 23, 2015

Brother Santiago, I decided to re-read your story again today as I did several times last year when you passed. Once again, it brought tears to my eyes and once again I just can't make sense of why the world is the way it is. Why do we lose amazing, bright and extraordinary human beings like yourself....I hope you are resting well. We are all really really proud of you. Never had the honor of knowing you but greatness is unmistakable. Goodnight brother.


"It's not how these Officers died that made them heroes, it's how they LIVED."

Officer Gonzalez #3920
Prince George's County Police Department. , Maryland.

March 24, 2015

Hey Melvin - I met your baby brother just last night - he is a very nice young man. He had a ticket to witness the President's State of the Union Address at the US Capitol, and I had the golden chance opportunity to assist him and his escort. What a delight!

Only just this morning, however, did I become aware of his connection to you - Oh my goodness, how I wish I could go back in time to just squeeze his hand a little tighter in thanks for his sacrifice, to give him a hug of understanding from his Family in Blue, somehow express my deepest gratitude for him sharing you briefly with us!

Your baby brother is so handsome, probably has grown like a weed since you saw him last - in retrospect, its so clear why baby brother presented mature beyond his years...you would be so proud of him, baby brother Santiago is proudly representing you big Brother! RIP

Kathryn Stillman, Lieut. (Retired)
US Capitol Police / Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms

January 21, 2015

RIP melvin you will be truly missed and always remembered as the hero you are!

Officer A.S.
HCDOC

December 30, 2014

I hope your resting well Mel...Your are missed...I see you soon brother!

operator
hcdoc

December 20, 2014

We are residents of Hood River, OR. We didn't know this young man but mourn his death and loss as yet another reflection of our broken society. Each man and woman who serves in uniform with police departments across the country are as much our heroes as men and women serving in our military. I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Santiago's family, friends and fellow police.

Betty Osborne
A caring stranger

December 4, 2014

Melvin we love you and miss you at the west midnight tour. You will never be forgotten.

P.O. Arkadiusz Zylkiewicz 2809
Jersey City Police

October 25, 2014

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Melvin was killed.

To the Santiago family, fellow officers, and all who call Melvin beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Officer Santiago gave to his community and the citizens of New Jersey, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 13, 2014.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 26, 2014