ARTICLE: (Hudson Reporter) A Walk to Remember: Jersey City cops host 5K walk for fallen officers

Many people may not realize that 140 police officers were killed in the line of duty nationwide in 2016. But for Police Detective Ed Dolan, that’s a statistic he can’t forget.

So in order to pay tribute to those officers, and to raise public awareness about the risk cops face every day when performing their duties, Dolan organized a walk to raise money for the Fallen Officers Fund of the Jersey City Police Detective’s Benevolent Association (DBA) and the Brothers Before Others Fallen Officers Flower Fund.

The DBA’s focus is to educate the community on the heroism and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. “In so doing, we will continue to honor the families of slain law enforcement officers, as well as law enforcement officers who have distinguished themselves through acts of bravery or merit,” Dolan said.

The DBA’s ongoing fundraising effort is two-fold. First, funds raised will ensure benefits for the Fallen Officer’s Fund, which will continue to be in place for all active members. Second, as part of the JCPD’s commitment to the community, they will continue to support organizations that benefit the children of Jersey City. These organizations include the public schools, Special Olympics, and Toys for Tots, to name a few. Supporting families of fallen officers, and giving back to the children of Jersey City, will continue to be the cornerstone of the organization.

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“The purpose of the fund is to put survivor benefits in place for the loved ones of sworn law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice when bravely serving in the line of duty.” – Ed Dolan
____________Dolan’s group, the JCPD DBA was founded after a police officer was shot in Jersey City in 2009.

In July of 2009, one day before his 38th birthday, Detective Marc DiNardo, a 10 year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, died after being shot in the face while confronting two armed robbery suspects. At the time of his passing, DiNardo left behind three children under the age of five; Gwendolyn, Marc Anthony, and Ella; and his wife Mary.

This sudden loss prompted the establishment of the Fallen Officer’s Fund.

“The purpose of the fund is to put survivor benefits in place for the loved ones of sworn law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice when bravely serving in the line of duty,” Dolan said in a release.

In 2014, Det. Melvin Santiago was gunned down in an ambush when responding to the report of a robbery.

Each year, the JCPD DBA finds creative ways to generate donations.

This year, on Saturday, April 8, the group will hold a 5k “Walk to Remember,” at Liberty State Park.

Included in this year’s walk will be members from the Dallas Police Department, which lost 19 police officers last year.

“We will have families of the fallen joining us as well as the Sgt. Penne of the Dallas Police Department and president of the Dallas Fallen Officers Fund,” Dolan said.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Opening remarks will be at 10:30 a.m. followed by the walk. Upon completion of the walk food trucks will serve beverages and entertainment on site.

To donate or for more information go to the website: http://www.jcpddba.com/. You can also call (201) 726-0698.

Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.