CrossFit Jersey City is raising money for the family of Jersey City police officer Melvin Santiago, who was killed in the line of duty on July 13.

Jersey City police officer Melvin Santiago
Jersey City police officer Melvin Santiago (AP Photo/Jersey City Mayor's office)
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Owner and organizer Mike Gallant sid the tragedy has had a big impact on the tight-knit city.

"The death of Detective Santiago definitely weighed heavily on the community," Gallant said.

Gallant began a fundraising initiative for the detective's family and started putting together a special workout to honor Santiago.

"The very least we can do is try to raise some funds for the family and dedicate a workout to Detective Santiago," he explained.

His group, CrossFit Jersey City, holds the Melvin Santiago Memorial Workout on Saturday, August 16 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m at Liberty State Park's north field, near the 9/11 memorial.

Each portion of the workout has significance to Santiago.

The 2650-meter row, symbolizes the detective's badge number. That will be followed by six sets of seven deadlifts, 13 box jumps and 14 burpees, which marks the officer's end of watch date, which was July 13, 2014.

"It's important to remember that these men and women are out protecting the civilians and the rest of us 24/7, 365," he said.

Gallant said that they are well on their way to exceeding their original goal of raising $10,000.

"The overall goal here is to make sure the family and those close to Detective Santiago know that this is how the majority of the community feels," Gallant said.

Hundreds are expected to participate between the crossfit, law enforcement, and local communities.  All proceeds benefit the Santiago family.

"We want to be able to memorialize a true hero and just make sure that all of the men and women on the job know that their efforts are appreciated, and the sacrifices that they make don't go unnoticed."

Learn more about the memorial workout and how you can help by visiting the event page.

 

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