Somerset County Fallen Officers Honored with New Memorial


(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

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