AS THE SUN set Monday, the sky was painted red, white and blue.
Fitting, because underneath that scene, the Monmouth County Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil to Honor the Fallen Law Enforcement Officers in Dallas, Texas, was wrapping up.
“When something like this happens, it’s devastating for all law enforcement, regardless of where you are,” said Highland Park Police Patrolman John Sachau, who lives in Middletown.
“I think it shows great unity when first aid squads, fire departments, police are able to unify in one place,” said Capt. Chris Trischitta of the Holmdel First Aid Squad.
There were among hundreds – estimated by the county Prosecutor’s Office at 750 to 800 – who attended the July 11 event at the county Police Academy in Freehold Township. Beside various law enforcement and first aid squads, also attending were fire companies, the county Board of Freeholders and other elected officials, and the public.
“Carry on their example, think about humanity,” Gramiccioni said. “Make their sacrifice a solemn reminder of the need to remember humanity.”
The candlelight vigil “will do its best” to remember the five, Gramiccioni said.
“Each of these men ran toward danger, rather than away from it,” Gramiccioni said.
Sea Bright Police Chief John Sorrentino said he does not use “hero” lightly, but the Dallas five are “truly American heroes.”
“I have never been more proud of the uniform I wear,” said Sorrentino, president of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association.
Holmdel Police Patrolman Chris Cherney planted the seed that grew into the candlelight vigil. He said he thought something should be done after hearing about the deaths of the Dallas area police officers.
Cherney talked to fellow Holmdel Patrolman Mike Michalski, the state delegate for Holmdel Policemen’s Benevolent Association No. 239. Michaski, then, talked to county Undersheriff Frederick Deickmann and “we got this whole thing rolling,” Cherney said.
Cherney, Police Chief John Mioduszewski and about 20 active or retired police officers from the Holmdel Police, for example, attended the vigil. At the vigil, Cherney led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Everybody had this idea to do something” and it came together, said Cynthia Scott, a spokesperson for county Sheriff Shaun Golden.
Middletown Police Chief Craig Weber said his department attended the vigil “just to show our support for the officers that lost their lives in Texas and their families.” He said since the Texas event there has been a community outpouring of support for Middletown Police.
Cherney Michalski, Sachau, Middletown Police and other law enforcement officers from the county were planning on heading to Dallas to attend services for the fallen police officers. Various officers were thankful to jetBlue airlines for providing free flights to and from Dallas.
The vigil also reflected on people getting along.
“If you learn how to put each other first, we will never be last,” said Pastor Mark White of Shiloh Community Fellowship, Asbury Park, and a chaplain with that city’s police. “We are all brothers and sisters.
Say hello to someone who does not look like oneself, White advised.
“Are you as tired hearing about anger as I am?” said the Rev. David Cotton, pastoral assistant at the First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan. “Are you as tired hearing about hatred as I am? Are you as tired hearing about darkness as I am?
“I am tired of hearing about anger, hatred and darkness,” Cotton said.
A wreath was laid in honor of each of the Dallas five, who went 10-7, “out of service” and the “end of watch” at 8:58 p.m. July 7.
The ceremony ended after about an hour with the singing of “God Bless America,” an extinguishing of the candles attendees held and any silent reflection chosen by those in attendance.
One of the last acts was a raising of the Texas flag – first to the top of a flagpole, then to half-staff – in its red, white and blue.
