2 Bloomfield Cops Who Died In Line Of Duty To Be Honored

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Bloomfield Division of Public Safety. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

On Friday, Oct. 21, the Bloomfield Division of Public Safety will commemorate two Bloomfield police officers who died in the line of duty while serving the township. The ceremony will take place at Bloomfield Police Headquarters at 1 p.m.

The first, Detective William F. Mertz, died in the line of duty on Dec. 18, 1915 while attempting to arrest a murder suspect.

The second, Detective James Peri, passed away on Oct. 22, 2021 from complications of COVID-19.

Members of the Bloomfield police along with his family members will be present. Both detectives names will be placed on a monument in front of Bloomfield Police Headquarters.

"Although Detectives Mertz and Peri served more than a hundred years apart, they share a legacy with all members of the Bloomfield Police Department of bravery, commitment, and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our great community,” Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia said.

“No matter how much time passes our gratitude to them and their families will never waver, and with this commemoration they will always have a permanent place in Bloomfield and our hearts,” Venezia said.

“While Detectives Mertz and Peri served this agency decades apart, they both shared a common commitment to service to our great township that led to them both making the ultimate sacrifice in our profession,” Bloomfield Public Safety Director Samuel DeMaio said.

“This monument being dedicated today will literally etch their names and legacy in stone,” DeMaio said. “As they were members of this great department in life, their memories will resonate with each and every member of this agency for generations to come – one department, one family.”

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