A Tribute to Sergeant Gonzalez
This year marked the 30th anniversary of the tragic line-of-duty death of Sergeant Ippolito Gonzalez #1107. Each year, members of the Franklin Township Police Department honor his ultimate sacrifice by coming together to clean and maintain the memorial located outside Police Headquarters. While a simple gesture, it serves as a meaningful opportunity for reflection and remembrance, and a way to honor the lasting legacy Sergeant Gonzalez left on our Department. This anniversary held special significance, and the Department sought to do something truly meaningful for the Gonzalez family. With the support of Mayor Jake Bruno and the Township Committee, the decision was made to re-dedicate Malaga Park and rename Malaga Park Drive in honor of Sergeant Gonzalez. In a moving ceremony held in mid-May, the Franklin Township Police Department welcomed hundreds of riders participating in the first leg of the Police Unity Tour. The riders arrived at the park and surprised Sergeant Gonzalez’s nephew, Lou, and his family as newly installed street and park signage bearing Sergeant Gonzalez’s name was unveiled. It was an honor to host this ceremony, which also marked the official reopening of the park following extensive playground renovations made possible through a community grant. Families throughout Franklin Township can now enjoy upgraded playground equipment at the newly dedicated Sergeant Gonzalez Memorial Park , ensuring that Sergeant Gonzalez’s sacrifice and service will be remembered for generations to come.
Malaga Park Drive is named in honor of Sergeant Gonzalez
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