BRICK – A statue of a police officer saluting has found its home at the Brick Township Police headquarters, representing the lives of officers who died in the line of duty.
During a recent ceremony, the Fallen Officer Memorial Monument was unveiled. “We gather here today to honor the lives and sacrifices made by those officers who lost their lives while serving as law enforcement for the township of brick. This monument stands as a testament to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of protecting the people of this town,” said Ptl. Scott Mesmer, who organized the ceremony. “As we unveil this monument, we remember the faces, the names and the stories of those who have come and gone. We recall the unwavering commitment to protecting our communities, our families, and our freedom. This place will act as a gathering space for everyone to reflect on the sacrifices made by these heroes and by their loved ones left behind. Let us honor their memories by continuing to support and uplift those who continue to serve and protect us all.”
After the passing of Officer Kristopher DeMarco in January of 2016, the Brick Township Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local #230 envisioned creating a place where all of the names of those officers who passed away while employed with the department can be remembered. Many PBA members had the idea of creating a Fallen Officer Memorial Monument that would be constructed and placed in front of Police Headquarters.
The PBA Monument Fund Committee was formed and Sgt. Jeffrey Person was appointed as the Chairman of the committee. After extended research on fallen officer monuments, it was known that lots of fundraising would be necessary in order to proceed.
“We started researching and found this project would make a decent amount of time to raise enough money,” Sgt. Person said. “After six years, we raised enough money to have this monument built; it then took two years for the company to complete the project. Many Brick Township residents and over 50 businesses helped us raise the money for this monument.”
Throughout those six years, the PBA held several events which included three cornhole tournaments and two large fundraising events at local restaurants. After raising enough funds, the monument was created and delivered to Brick Township Police Headquarters in early 2024.
The customized bronze statue uniquely reflects the Brick Police Department’s uniform, displaying the Department’s exact equipment, gear, patches, and badge.
Although he was unable to attend the ceremony, retired Police Chief James Riccio shared a written statement and thanked the PBA’s endless dedication towards the project.
“Law enforcement is a noble profession that is unlike any other. Law enforcement officers leave their families knowing the possibility exists that they will not return. Law enforcement officers must rely on each other, their brothers and sisters in blue who are their extended family.
“The members of PBA 230 past and present are a family and they recognize the importance of memorializing and honoring those officers who died while serving the community they took an oath to protect,” Riccio said. “May they rest in peace and never be forgotten. To the families of our fallen heroes, just know that these officers served their community honorably, they are true heroes who were well respected.”
Brick Police Chief David Forrester named the five fallen officers whose names are engraved in the monument:
- Ptl. Richard Harper #21, End of Watch May 4, 1978
- Lt. Anthony Sierchio #51, End of Watch August 9, 1994
- Lt. Thomas McNelis #60, End of Watch January 28, 1996
- Ptl. John Lesemann Jr #182, End of Watch August 30, 1999
- Ptl. Kristopher DeMarco #213, End of Watch January 2, 2016
“These brave officers made the ultimate sacrifice in service and commitment in protecting the citizens of Brick Township. This monument will ensure that their legacies received a place in our Township’s history that they rightly deserve. This monument represents the brave souls who willingly embraced the life in law enforcement knowing that in one day they might be called upon to lay down their lives in a call of duty,” Chief Forrester said.
The ceremony included an opening prayer by retired Brick Police Captain and Deacon Michael Mullarkey, and a speech by Lt. Paul Catalina discussing National Police Week as well as the importance of the Police Unity Tour. Every year, police officers across the state participate and ride the long bicycle journey to raise awareness of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Attending the ceremony were Mayor Lisa Crate, members of the Township Council, fellow law enforcement, and the families of officers who had fallen.
Plt. Mesmer noted that the Township will hold this ceremony annually to honor the fallen officers.
“May this monument serve as a beacon of gratitude, respect, and remembrance for generations to come,” Plt. Mesmer said. “We will continue this tradition every year during Police Week, where we will once again gather in remembrance for all of our fallen officers.”
