In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Each year tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The residents of Linden understands the dangers faced by law enforcement better than most. It was just nine months ago when Ofc. Angel Padilla and Inv. Peter Hammer were shot during a gun battle with alleged terrorist Ahmad Rahami. With memories of that day still in their minds, City Officials planned a number of events to pay tribute to Linden’s Finest.
On April 18th the Linden City Council formally recognized Police Officer John Byko Jr., the only Linden Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. Officer Byko made the ultimate sacrifice on June 17th, 1935 when his patrol car collided head-on with another vehicle. Mayor Derek Armstead presented Police Chief Jonathan Parham with a resolution commemorating the 82nd anniversary of his death. “Officer Byko gave his life in service to the citizens of Linden, and we are grateful to Mayor Armstead and the City Council for ensuring that his sacrifice is not forgotten.” Chief Parham said.
During a dedication ceremony on May 3rd Mayor Armstead temporarily renamed Wood Ave in honor of Officer Byko. A memorial sign was commissioned and hung over the intersection, where it will remain for the remainder of the month.
The largest event, however, was the beginning of the Police Unity Tour on May 9th. The purpose of the Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty and raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum. This year eleven Linden Police Officers participated in the tour. “Team Linden” rides with Chapter 37 of the Tour, who begin their Tour at the World Trade Center in tribute to the 72 Police Officers killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Dozens of students and supporters, including the Linden Fire Department, Linden High School Marching Band, and nearly 250 JROTC cadets lined the street to welcome the nearly 300 riders as they ceremoniously rode down Wood Ave.
Then the crowd joined the riders and their supporters in the Robert Wood Bauer Promenade for a ceremony in which Chapter 37 presented Officer Angel Padilla, Investigator Peter Hammer, Investigator Mark Kahana, and Officer David Guzman with the Police Unity Tour Medal of Valor. The ceremony featured a number of speakers, including Congressman Donald Payne Jr., NJ State Senator Nicholas Scutari, and Freeholder Christopher Hudak. Mayor Armstead and Chief Parham also spoke to the riders jumped back on their bikes and continued on the more than 250 mile ride to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington D.C.
(above) During a dedication ceremony on May 3rd Mayor Armstead temporarily renamed Wood Ave in honor of Officer Byko.
(above) Wood Avenue in Linden the beginning of the Police Unity Tour on May 9th.
(above) “Team Linden” began their tour at the World Trade Center in tribute to the 72 Police Officers killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001.
(above) School No. 1 students from Miss Gina Tattoli’s class, Jodarsen Pierre, Breanna Echevarria, Harlem Brown, Theron Excellent Williams, Karla Ferrer, Yaslene Reyes proudly support our Linden Heroes and all Heroes who participate in the Police Unity Tour.
(above) Dozens of students and supporters, including the Linden Fire Department, Linden High School Marching Band, and nearly 250 JROTC cadets lined the street to welcome the nearly 300 riders as they ceremoniously rode down Wood Ave. Eleven Linden Police Officers participated in the tour.
