SPOTSWOOD — The borough has officially made former U.S. Army Spc. Michael Gonzalez an honorary member of the police department.
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Borough Council posthumously awarded Gonzalez, 20, who was killed last month in Iraq, badge No. 37, and said the number will never be used by another Spotswood police officer. Gonzalez’s father, Pedro, spoke at the meeting, thanking the community for the support given to his family in the wake of the Aug. 28 tragedy.
“It was so sad, I can’t even tell you,” said Councilwoman Marge Drozd.
More than a thousand people turned out for Gonzalez’s funeral service Sept. 6 at Spotswood Reformed Church, and on Sept. 10 about 75 friends and family members, along with borough officials and other residents, took two chartered buses to Arlington National Ceremony in Virginia for the burial, with full military honors. That night, a candlelight vigil was also held at the Spotswood’s Veterans Memorial.
“They have amazing strength,” council President Curtis Stollen said of Gonzalez’s family. “It was just heart wrenching.”
Since Gonzalez had taken part in Spotswood’s youth police academy and had wanted to become a police officer, borough of- ficials felt it proper to make him an honorary member of the force.
Drozd said the police department was very responsive to Gonzalez’s loss and was trying to support his family and memory.
Mayor Thomas Barlow and most council members were on the bus that left Spotswood at 4 a.m. to go to the Arlington ceremony. An honor guard of Spotswood police officers took part.
“It was an amazing, moving experience,” Stollen said.
During the Sept. 8 council meeting, Police Chief Karl Martin also spoke about how he’d been at the youth academy and asked who wanted to become a police officer. Gonzalez replied that was his goal.
The candlelight vigil included members of the American Legion and VFW, and featured speeches from commanders and all sang “God Bless America.” Drozd said it is possible that next year’s National Night Out in Spotswood will be dedicated to Gonzalez.
She also applauded the community for banding together and helping Gonzalez’s family though a time of need. She said Gonzalez’smother was “a rock” during the experience, and that she was in awe of her strength.
“You do not want your child to be forgotten,” Drozd said. “That is my worst fear as a parent. Michael will never be forgotten in Spotswood.”