Business Opens with Ceremony Honoring Matlosz and Fallen Officers

For owner Frank Melillo, Saturday was a chance to turn a grand opening into a dedication to emergency responders who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Blue Line Emergency Lighting, formerly of Beachwood, opened a new storefront Saturday on Route 37 East between Clifton Avenue and Bachelor Street in Toms River. The store sells everything from uniforms to equipment to custom built vehicles, for emergency responders, and is now in the former Bradco property.

The grand opening, held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, was an open house for the community to remember officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, with fellow officers on hand from Lakewood, Ocean Gate, Seaside Heights, Toms River and elsewhere paying tribute.

A special dedication ceremony began at noon. Owner Frank Melillo said afterward that the entire event, as well as the store, was created to show the utmost respect and appreciation for emergency responders.

Locally, the community was most recently rocked by the death of who was fatally shot while on patrol earlier this year.

"We are having this open house and dedication to Ocean County fallen officers including Officer Chris Matlosz who was murdered in Lakewood," Melillo said.

He pointed to the plaque hanging on the wall as the quote of the day, but also one that will be always hanging in the store:

"I dedicate this store to the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters, shall we never forget. This wall is a constant reminder of the danger we face each day. We stand side by side and live with pride and honor. In valor there is hope. Stay alert, stay alive."

Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher officially cut the ribbon on the business, as officers and emergency responders opened up fire trucks and ambulances on display for the community to learn more about a day in the life of an emergency responder.

Bagpipers performed as part of the ceremony, and back inside, organizations such as Officer Down N.J. shared information on their community services. A catered buffet was available, as folks stayed through 2 p.m. to help welcome the business to Toms River and to share their memories with each other.

The families and friends of Matlosz, as well as those of , were on hand. Marles was killed coming home from work on Nov. 26, his vehicle hit by an alleged drunk driver on the parkway.

Also recognized were Harvey Cedars Officer Angelo Vasile, who was off-duty when he died as a result of a hit-and-run accident in May 2010.

A memorial wall erected inside the store showcases the officers' pictures and memorabilia, outlining the timeline of their service.

The day was one of the community coming together, said the mayor. The store was packed with guests for the event, spilling outside into a parking lot also packed with emergency vehicles. More than a hundred attended the event Saturday.