By MADDY VITALE
Each day drivers pass by a memorial, a sign and a garden at 26th Street and Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City. Some may know who it is for; others may not even see it. But for those who knew the man who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others, it is a tribute to a hero — fallen Police Officer Michael “Mickey” Cullinane Sr.
Cullinane died in the line of duty on Aug. 26, 1992, after he was overcome by lethal gases while rescuing a construction worker from a nearly 30-foot-deep pit. The pit was being dug on Landis Avenue at 26th Street as part of a sewage pumping station.
Nearly three decades have passed. His son, Michael Jr., is now 34. Cullinane was just 30 when he died.
On Thursday, the late officer’s sister, Maura Fernandez, his widow, Stacy Spiegel, other members of his family and friends gathered at the same spot where Cullinane lost his life for a memorial service marking the 29th anniversary of the officer’s death.
His loved ones were joined by current and retired Sea Isle police officers, city leaders and members of the community.
“It’s hard to believe that it has been 29 years already,” Sea Isle Police Chief Tom McQuillen said from the podium, alongside Mayor Leonard Desiderio and Deacon Joseph Murphy of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sea Isle.
McQuillen spoke of the dangers officers put themselves in, how Cullinane risked his life to save others, and how he was a model of humanity.
“That was Mickey. He served his state, his country, this city, with humanity,” McQuillen said. “We can never forget the sacrifices he made.”
Maura Fernandez, 64, of Egg Harbor Township, looked around at those who gathered to remember her little brother and said she was so thankful.
Cullinane would have turned 61 in November.
“I think it is awesome that after so many years, we still get together to remember Michael,” Fernandez said. “And I think that it is great that the city of Sea Isle remembers him.”
Desiderio called Cullinane a great officer “who did his job and made the ultimate sacrifice to save someone else.”
He emphasized how dangerous police work is and noted that an ordinary traffic stop or an ordinary call for a disturbance isn’t always that.
“I thank you all for coming out to pay tribute to Mickey,” Desiderio said. “We will never forget Mickey Cullinane and we will honor him.”
Later in the day, Desiderio said in a statement to the community, “I was honored to gather with the members of the Sea Isle City Police Department during Michael’s annual memorial service today on Landis Avenue at 26th Street, and I hope you will also keep Mickey’s family in your prayers on this sad anniversary.”
During the program, attendees listened to moving words about the late officer.
Deacon Murphy spoke of devotion. He spoke of Cullinane and his bravery and sacrifice.
“After all these years, we know Mickey is in Heaven,” Deacon Murphy said.
He said each time he passes by the memorial for Cullinane he is reminded of his bravery again and again. A call came in the day before the tragic day, for a similar incident at the site at 26th Street. Cullinane also responded to the call that day.
“He went back in the hole. He laid down his life. He is a true hero and I am honored to be here today,” Deacon Murphy said.
Cullinane’s son, Michael Jr., 34, could not attend the service.
But his grandfather, Ed Rumer, of Ocean City, spoke on his behalf. He said that Michael Jr. wanted to attend but could not get away from work up in North Jersey and that he was truly appreciative that people continue to remember his father.
Stacy Spiegel, who was Cullinane’s wife and now lives in Seaville, said of the service, “I think it is wonderful that it continues.”
At the end of the program, McQuillen summed up the sentiment about Cullinane’s life and legacy.
“We will never forget his service, his sacrifice, and the man that he was,” he said.
