These Belleville Police Officers Made The ‘Ultimate Sacrifice’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The Belleville Police Department offered tribute to several of its officers who “paid the ultimate sacrifice” as part of National Police Week, which runs from May 9 to 15.

Belleville police gave a somber thank-you on social media in recognition of their service.

MARTIN HANLEY - Belleville police officer Martin J. Hanley. Age 37. End of watch: 7/24/1927. “Patrolman Hanley died in a motorcycle crash while on patrol.”

JAMES SMITH - Belleville police officer James T. Smith. Age 37. End of Watch: 5/21/1950. “Patrolman James Smith succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when he was involved in a motorcycle accident on Mill Street. While on patrol, Patrolman Smith's brakes failed causing him to be propelled over the handlebars into the curb, resulting in brain damage. Patrolman Smith had served with the Belleville Police Department for almost three years and had received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the Invasion of Sicily while serving with the United States Army.”

KENNETH SANTUCCI - Belleville police officer Kenneth Andrew Santucci. Age 32. End of Watch: 9/6/2008. “Police officer Kenneth Santucci was killed in an automobile accident when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle that had run a stop sign. The accident occurred at the intersection of Union Avenue and King Street in Nutley. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His partner was also transported to a local hospital in serious condition.”

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