Saddle Brook PD Officer Loses Battle With Pancreatic Cancer

SADDLE BROOK, NJ – Bergen County’s law enforcement community is mourning the loss of a Saddle Brook police officer, who died Thursday following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Officer Michael Juliano, a 19-year veteran of the force, passed away early Thursday morning, about six months after his diagnosis. He was 47.

“His untimely passing leaves us, his department and PBA Local 102 members, and all our other law enforcement brothers and sisters, as well as our governing body, township employees and our whole community in profound mourning and grief,” the department said in a social media post on Thursday evening.

After joining the force in August 2000, Juliano earned numerous awards and citations. Among those recognitions: The 200 Club of Bergen County’s Life Saving Commendation and the Saddle Brook American Legion Post 415 “Police Officer of the Year” Award.

He was also given a commendation from his department for helping to apprehend the suspect in a 2013 bank robbery.

"In addition to many letters received from citizens acknowledging and praising his activities in serving as a police officer, Mike always found the time to volunteer for causes to assist those most needed," Saddle Brook Police Chief Robert Kugler said. "He was an active and passionate volunteer in benevolent fundraising activities such as the NJ Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, Wounded Warrior Project Tank Pull and the Newark Liberty International Airport Plane Pull. He was also a member of the Saddle Brook Polie Department Honor Guard always taking the time to attend police funerals, memorials and parades."

The chief added: "Mike was a loyal and dedicated officer serving with a heart of gold. His selfless compassion to serve, help and assist others was his gift, and with those traits you know you have a great police officer."

Following Juliano's diagnosis in February, he was reassigned from patrol work and placed on modified assignment in order to accommodate his medical treatments and procedures, Kugler said.

"Mike was a fighter and wasn't looking at his condition awaiting the Grim Reaper, but rather with a sense of 'I'm going to deal with this and do whatever is necessary to survive for my children and family's sake,'" the chief said. "Unfortunately, this disease fiercely and rapidly took its path as it often times does. "

"Just last week, members of the department were coordinating and lining up vacation, personal and other accrued time of their own to donate to Mike during times when his treatments would make him unable to report for work. His colleagues were always there and ready to give up of themselves and time to help our law enforcement brother," Kugler said.

Juliano leaves behind three children, a granddaughter, his mother, his brother and his sister, the chief said.

Prior to his appointment to the police department, Juliano was a child care supervisor working with Youth Consultation Services in Paterson. After graduating from St. Joseph's Regional Catholic High School, Juliano went on to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from New Jersey City University

Elmwood Park Police Chief Michael Foligno offered condolences on behalf of his department, saying, “Mike was taken from all of us, who enjoyed his true friendship and contagious smile, long before we were ready to let him go. But the Lord had other plans and our loss here is truly Heaven’s gain.”

“There is a great emptiness left by Mike’s passing, but our hope is that with the out pouring of love and support from friends and family, and the wonderful memories of the man, father, friend and police officer Mike was, will get all who knew and loved him through this difficult time,” Foligno said.

Saddle Brook Mayor Robert White said Juliano “will be sorely missed and forever remembered.”

“Mike’s gallant fight and positive attitude was an inspiration to all of us,” White said.

A wake is scheduled on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Patrick J. Conte Funeral Home, 274 Market Street, Elmwood Park. On Tuesday, a 9:30 a.m. mass will be held at St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church, 324 Market Street, Elmwood Park.