[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 118 (Friday, July 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY POLICE OFFICER MELVIN SANTIAGO

                                  _____
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2014

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when danger occurs, when disaster 
happens, when 911 is called, it is the first responders who heed the 
emergencies.
  While most of us flee danger, the men and women who are the thin blue 
line head toward danger.
  They are America's finest.
  They are the peace officers.
  Officer Melvin Santiago was just 23 when he was gunned down and 
assassinated for sport by a fugitive, an outlaw.
  Santiago was going about his duties as a Jersey City, New Jersey 
police officer responding to a disturbance at a local drugstore.
  When he arrived he was shot multiple times before even exiting his 
patrol car.
  The name of the cold blooded killer who murdered rookie Jersey City 
police officer, Melvin Santiago shall not be mentioned.
  This cowardly murderer thought he would become famous by killing a 
cop.
  The gunman was lying in wait to murder a peace officer.
  The criminal was killed by police.
  He has gone to meet his Maker.
  I doubt the meeting will be pleasant.
  Officer Santiago wanted to fight crime and protect the citizens in 
the toughest neighborhoods.
  He wanted to make a difference.
  The west section of the city was where he thought he could do that 
best.
  This was not just a job for Officer Santiago; it was a goal he had 
worked toward.
  He excelled in his entrance exam with a score of 98.
  This first responder wanted to be like his Uncle Frank, a retired 
detective.
  Santiago looked up to his uncle and often sought his advice.
  Officer Santiago graduated from the police academy in December, 
patrolling the area that he knew he could help turn around, when his 
life was stolen from him by a worthless criminal.
  Law enforcement officers are a special kind.
  They put their lives on the line every single day to ensure the 
safety of their communities.
  There aren't many other professions where a person willingly puts 
themselves at risk on a daily basis in order to protect others.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former prosecutor and criminal court judge in Texas 
for over 25 years, I have known a lot of men and women who have worn 
the badge--the shield--or the star over their heart.
  These are symbols of their willingness to put our safety above 
theirs.
  Unfortunately, I have known and attended funerals of first responders 
like Santiago who gave their lives in an effort to make our communities 
safer.
  We as a society should never forget the true sacrifice first 
responders and their families make for our nation.
  Officer Santiago went above and beyond to make his hometown of Jersey 
City, the state of New Jersey, and his country a better place.
  Over a thousand officers joined Officer Santiago's family and friends 
to honor his life and lay him to rest on July 18th, where he was 
posthumously promoted to detective and given the Jersey City Police 
Department Medal of Honor.
  In his short time on the squad, he quickly gained the respect of 
many.
  We remember his hard work and commitment to family and community.
  I commend Detective Melvin Santiago for his service to the people of 
New Jersey.
  Our thoughts and prayer are with Jersey City Detective Melvin 
Santiago's family, the local peace officers, and the community of 
Jersey City.
  Peace officers stand between the law and the lawless.
  Peace officers are the last strand of wire in the fence between the 
fox and the chickens.
  Mr. Speaker, peace officers are a rare breed.
  Melvin Santiago was one of those individuals.
  General George Patton said it quite appropriately when talking about 
his young troops killed in battle: While we mourn the loss of these 
men. We should thank the Good Lord that such men ever lived.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________