The roster included New Jersey State Police Trooper Anthony Raspa, who was killed in a car crash last weekend; Bergen County Sheriff’s Lt. Brian Beutel, who collapsed and died during a March 18 charity basketball game for the Tomorrows Children’s Fund; and Saddle Brook dispatcher and Special Police Officer Gregory “Goose” Korczak, who died of a heart attack suffered while preparing for his family’s Easter celebration on April 5.
They joined Waldwick Police Officer Christopher Goodell, Cliffside Park Police Officer Stephen Petruzzello, Jersey City Detective Melvin Santiago, Newark Police Officer Reinaldo Arocha and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Detective John Stevens, who all died last year.
Goodell’s sister, Nicole Priestner, did the first reading (above, escorted by Saddle Brook Police Chief Robert Kugler), followed by Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino (below and end of pew, right, above), before more than 150 people at St. Philip the Apostle RC Church in Saddle Brook.
Fair Lawn Capt. Robert Kneer commanded the Honor Guards of the Cliffside Park, Fair Lawn, Saddle Brook and Waldwick police departments and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.
Pipes and drums officers from Cliffside Park and Saddle Brook played “Amazing Grace.”
The celebrant was Fr. Theesmas Pankiraj, pastor of St. Philip, with co-celebrant Fr. Thomas Norton, chaplain of then Bergen County Police Chiefs Association.
The gathering included a special blessing of Petruzzello’s cherished Mustang, which was repainted in his honor after his death.
ALSO SEE:
PHOTO GALLERY: Bergen officers who died in line of duty honored at NJ Law Enforcement Memorial Service
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Waldwick Officer Christopher Goodell, Cliffside Park Officer Stephen Petruzzello honored at NJ memorial service
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Christopher Goodell Memorial Highway officially designated
http://cliffviewpilot.com/christopher-goodell-memorial-officially-designated/
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Bergen Sheriff’s Local 134 hosting benefit dinner for widow, daughters of Lt. Brian Beutel
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Cliffside Park Police Officer Stephen Petruzzello laid to rest
http://cliffviewpilot.com/cliffside-park-police-officer-stephen-petruzzello-laid-to-rest/
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Saddle Brook ‘gentle giant’ dispatcher, special police officer had huge heart
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9/11 honor flag arrives in Jersey City for slain officer
http://cliffviewpilot.com/911-honor-flag-arrives-in-jersey-city-for-slain-officer/
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