def #83 05/11/09

POLICE MEMORIAL SCHEDULED FOR MAY 15

LAKEWOOD - Ocean County will remember its fallen police officers and will honor all peace officers during the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Day Service scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 15 at the Ocean County Police Academy, Ocean County Park, Route 88, here.

"We could not enjoy the quality of life we have if it were not for the fine men and women of law enforcement who pledge to protect us, our families and our communities each and every day," said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety. "During this annual event, we join with the families of those fallen officers and we not only honor their memory but we celebrate their lives and their outstanding contributions."

The annual event is hosted by the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association.

"There are 10 names etched into the police memorial at Ocean County Park," said Lacey Township Police Chief William Nally, who serves as president of the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association. "These are officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Each left behind family and friends. And each left an indelible mark on the law enforcement community."

Last year, Ocean County added the name of Lakewood Police Officer William Preslar Jr. who died in the line of duty on May 14, 2007 to the police memorial, in addition to the names of three State Troopers who died while performing their police duties in the 1920s and 1930s.

"We take pride in the work of these officers and solace in knowing their dedication to the job did not go unnoticed," Kelly said.

Preslar’s death marked the first time in six years an officer died in the line of duty in Ocean County. He was the first Lakewood Township officer killed in the line of duty in at least 50 years.

The keynote speaker for the May 15 event will be U.S. Marshal James T. Plousis.

Retired Police Chief William Dikun, who is the Chief Police Instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy, will serve as master of ceremonies. Chief Nally will provide opening remarks.

The Point Pleasant Borough High School Panther Concert Band, under the direction of Scott Visco 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, the New Jersey State Police 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. "We encourage the public to attend this event."

The Police Memorial monument at the Police Academy now lists the names of 10 officers from Ocean County that have died. The law enforcement fallen heroes that will be remembered are: State Trooper First Class Joseph A. Smith, who died Aug. 4, 1927; New Jersey State Trooper Leonard P. McCandless, June 28, 1931; New Jersey State Trooper John J. Ressler, May 1, 1932; Marshal 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; Police Officer Robert Ventura, Jackson Township Police Department, March 18, 2001 and Police Officer William Preslar Jr., Lakewood Township Police Department, May 14, 2007.

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