(above) Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano and New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan place a wreath at the Law Enforcement Memorial.
Somerset County Fallen Officers Honored at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza
Twelve Somerset County officers were recently honored at the new Law Enforcement Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Plaza located on Grove Street.
Gathered at the ceremony were Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano, Sen. Christopher Bateman, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Singh Grewal, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson and New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan.
The engraved names of the fallen heroes are forever etched in black marble. Sheriff Provenzano read the name of each officer in the presence of their families, local law enforcement agencies, Sheriff’s office staff and members of the community. A rose was placed at the memorial for each fallen officer by family members, police officers and other dignitaries.
Thirteen-year-old Jake Whitenight, son of Correction Officer Paul Whitenight, sang the National Anthem and the Rev. John Rozembajgier of Mary Mother of God Church in Hillsborough, offered the invocation and benediction.
Other participants included the Somerset County Pipes and Drums, Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, Bridgewater Police Department Honor Guard, New Jersey State Police riderless horse, New Jersey State Police aircraft flypast, and taps performed by Nate Kimmick of Somerville High School.
“It is my great honor to bring together families and friends of Somerset County. The heroes on the memorial will be remembered for what they loved to do, protecting us from harm, willing to sacrifice their lives for the security and wellbeing of our citizens. The pain, suffering and loss felt by the families will never be replaced or lifted. The memorial wall will serve to honor our fallen heroes for years to come by present and future citizens who come to visit this site,” said Sheriff Provenzano.
(above) Somerset County Law Enforcement Memorial is located in Veterans Plaza in Somerville.
The following fallen Somerset County law enforcement officers were honored:
Police Officer Manning T. Crow Somerville 1/18/1899
Police Officer Julius Sauter Somerville 2/3/1917
State Trooper Robert E. Coyle State Police 12/8/1924
Chief of Police Charles Brendon Cavanaugh Bernardsville 9/8/1931
Police Officer Samuel J. Kriney Bound Brook 10/29/1931
State Trooper Michael J. Beylon State Police 2/22/1932
State Trooper Vincent C. Vosbein State Police 6/19/1938
Patrolman George Dunham Franklin Township 7/10/1960
Patrolman John Lebed Franklin Township 7/10/1960
State Trooper Thomas J. Hanratty State Police 4/2/1992
Sheriff’s Officer Ron Yeager Somerset County 7/10/2000
Police Officer Matthew J. Melchionda Watchung 3/8/2006
