JERSEY CITY –

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and At-Large Councilman Daniel Rivera announced today that they will present an ordinance to the City Council at next week’s meeting to name the new West District Police precinct in honor of slain Detective Melvin Santiago.

An officer in the City’s West District, Det. Santiago, 23, was an and was on patrol when he was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 13, 2014 while responding to a call of an armed robbery at the Walgreens on Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard.

“Councilman Rivera suggested we honor Detective Santiago with this tribute which will preserve his memory for decades to come,” said Mayor Fulop. “He made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life in protection of the people of Jersey City and it is truly an honor to be able to commemorate his life with this dedication.”

“It had always been Detective Santiago’s dream to become a Jersey City police officer and to work in the West District,” said Councilman Rivera. “We want his life and his dream to live on by dedicating the new West District in his name. The Detective Melvin Santiago West District will not only be a state-of-the-art facility for our officers, but will have the added distinction of commemorating a brother in blue who laid down his life serving our community.”

“This is a fitting tribute for Detective Santiago who made the ultimate sacrifice for Jersey City,” said Council President Rolando Lavarro, Jr. “We will always remember.”

The West District is expected to be completed in late fall with a dedication ceremony to follow.

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Steven M. Fulop at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699. ////