30 Years Ago, SICPD Officer Died a Hero

Please take time to pause and remember the ultimate sacrifice and tragic passing of Officer Michael “Mickey” Cullinane of the Sea Isle City Police Department on the 30th anniversary of his death. On Aug. 26, 1992, he became the only Sea Isle City Police Officer to ever lose his life in the line of duty.

Officer Cullinane died when attempting to rescue an unconscious worker from a pumping station construction site at 26th Street and Landis Avenue when he was overcome by lethal gasses. Just the day before, on Aug. 25, Officer Cullinane played a key part in the rescue efforts that saved another construction worker’s life at the same site.

Officer Cullinane was also a reserve member of the New Jersey Air National Guard 177th Fighter Interceptor Unit, where he served as a Staff Sergeant (E6) on the Security Police unit. He served the City of Sea Isle City on its police force for 11 years and was survived by his wife, a son, mother, five sisters, and three brothers.