OCEAN COUNTY law enforcement organizations, elected officials, school
students and residents will join together at the Police Memorial at the
Ocean County Police Academy to remember fallen officers and to honor all
peace officers.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 16th
at the academy, which is located inside Ocean County Park, Route 88,
Lakewood.
"I want to commend the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association for
hosting this very special event," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly,
who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety. "It’s important that we
remember the significant role law enforcement organizations and officers
have in our lives everyday."
"These men and women dedicate themselves to make certain we are
safe," Kelly said. "Their dedication in some instances has resulted in the
ultimate sacrifice."
Kelly, who has served as a freeholder since 1993 and has closely
worked with law enforcement agencies to bring improvements to the Ocean
County Police Academy and construction of a Training Center in Waretown,
will give the keynote address at the ceremony.
Retired Police Chief William Dikun, who is the Chief Police
Instructor at the Police Academy will serve as master of ceremonies. Ocean
County Prosecutor Thomas F. Kelaher will provide opening remarks.
The Point Pleasant Borough High School Panther Concert Band, under
the director of Paul Caliendo will perform as will the Ocean County
Vocational Technical Schools Performing Arts Academy Vocal Ensemble under
the direction of Mary Huhmann, vocal music instructor. Sgt. Daniel Gunning
of the Spring Lake Heights Police Department will sing the National Anthem.
The cadets from the Ocean County Police Academy will participate
along with members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and
representatives of law enforcement agencies from throughout Ocean County.
The families of those Ocean County officers killed in the line of
duty will be recognized during the ceremony during the placement of a
wreath at the Police Memorial.
"Our County is proud to join with other cities and towns across the
country to honor all peace officers everywhere," Kelly said.
The Police Memorial monument at the Police Academy lists the names of
six officers from Ocean County that have died. The law enforcement fallen
heroes that will be remembered are: Marshall Arnold Johnson, Point Pleasant
Police Department, July 22, 1928; Patrolman Hartley Richter, Lakewood,
Police Department, April 1946; Chief Angelo J. Leonetti, Long Beach
Township Police Department, March 6, 1962; Police Officer Robert T. Tobias,
Manchester Township Police Department, May 17, 1975; Police Officer Richard
J. Harper, Brick Township Police Department, May 4, 1978, and Police
Officer Robert Ventura, Jackson Township Police Department, March 18, 2001.
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