By Gloria Weg
Staff Writer
Local police, fire and EMS personnel along with civilians attended a candlelight vigil held Monday evening, July 11, at the Monmouth County Police Academy in Freehold Township.
The ceremony honored the memory of five police officers who were killed July 7 in Dallas, Texas.
Hundreds of emergency personnel in uniforms, youth explorers, military service members, veterans, motorcycle riders, Boy Scouts and families with children filled the audience.
The Call to Order was given by Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and followed by a presentation of colors led by the Monmouth County Police Pipe and Drums and Honor Guards from the Sheriff’s Office and the Holmdel, Howell and Hazlet police departments.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem, an opening prayer was given by Monsignor Philip Lowrey.
Golden introduced dignitaries, including county freeholders and municipal and state officials. Speakers included Acting Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni, Pastor Mark White, the Rev. David Cotton as well as representatives from area police departments and the Policemen’s Benevolent Association and Fraternal Order of Police.
The Monmouth County Police Pipe and Drums performed “Amazing Grace” before the solemn laying of wreaths that included a roll call and the naming of each Dallas police officer whose watch ended July 7.
Candles were then lit, followed by a moment of silence. A flag was raised for the last time and then lowered. The bugle call “Taps” was played.
The evening concluded with a benediction given by Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Yehuda L. Shapiro and the singing of “God Bless America.”
