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Abraham (l.), Matlosz, Castellano
The first statewide event of its kind conducted in the United States, the service is an often-overwhelming display of love and respect for those public servants who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony promises to be particularly emotional, however.
Also being honored are:
Lakewood Police Officer Christopher Matlosz, executed in his radio car earlier this year by a ruthless gunman:
N.J. State Police Trooper Marc Castellano, who was struck and killed on a New Jersey highway while investigating a report of a gunman on the loose; and
Port Authority Police Officer John Cortazzo, who died of illnesses related to 9/11.
The ceremony begins 11 a.m. at the Great Auditorium, a block from the Atlantic, with honors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the New Jersey State Police, and other participating organizations.
CLIFFVIEW PILOT PHOTOS
Guests are scheduled to include Gov. Chris Christie; state Attorney General Paula Dow; New Jersey State Police Superintendent Joseph “Rick” Fuentes; and U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul J. Fishman, among others.
The Pipes and Drums of the Blue & Gold will play, the New Jersey Law Enforcement Honor Guards will display, and police from throughout the state — and beyond — will attend, along with the surviving families of the fallen officers.
Abraham, 37, was a popular cop, who won several awards and made a significant number of important arrests in his 17-year career, which ended tragically when his cruiser smashed into a utility pole near headquarters, killing him, before dawn on Oct. 25.
Police said Abraham — an India native who grew up in Teaneck, was graduated from Teaneck High School, and is survived by a wife and an autistic son — helped save a man who was choking on dinner in a local restaurant just hours before the 2 a.m. crash. Abraham, more recently of Ringwood, died a few hours later at nearby Holy Name Hospital. (SEE: Teaneck mourns police officer killed in crash).
“I know that at times… it was just easier for you to just go to work,” his wife wrote, in a memorial tribute. “I know that is where you were happiest so I let you go.
“I just always wanted you to be happy.”
Ironically, Martha Abraham wrote, her husband “prepared” her for his death, reminding her of the dangerous service he provided, day in and day out, to the people of Teaneck.
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