State of New Jersey
Executive Order #4

Governor Jon S. Corzine
WHEREAS, Matthew J. Melchionda, a loving husband, son and brother, and a resident of White House Station, joined the Watchung Borough Police Department in December, 1999 after graduating first in his class from the Somerset County Police Academy; and

WHEREAS, Officer Melchionda graduated from Hunterdon Central High School, Rutgers University and pursued post graduate education, recently being awarded a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Centenary College; and

WHEREAS, Officer Melchionda served the Police Department and the citizens of Watchung Borough with exceptional courage, dedication and professionalism, genuine courtesy and abiding commitment to the finest law enforcement traditions; and

WHEREAS, Officer Melchionda proudly served in the Watchung Borough Police Department for 6 years, personifying his own family's commitment to the finest traditions and principles of law enforcement, and received many commendations and accolades for excellent police work during his tour of duty; and

WHEREAS, Officer Melchionda investigated cases with great diligence, regardless of the grade of the offense, always recognizing the impact any crime can have on its victims; and

WHEREAS, Officer Melchionda resolutely volunteered for duty and always acted with great care and respect for the safety of the public; and

WHEREAS, Officer Melchionda has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty to help New Jersey's citizens and, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark his passing, to remember his family and to honor his memory.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

  1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of New Jersey shall be flown at half staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Thursday, March 16, 2006, in recognition and mourning of Watchung Borough Police Officer Matthew J. Melchionda.

  2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 14th day
of March, Two Thousand and Six, and of the
Independence of the United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirtieth.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Stuart Rabner

Chief Counsel to the Governor