Relatives of a slain Jersey City rookie cop collapsed into tears at the fallen hero’s funeral on Friday.
“The bullet that stuck Officer Melvin Santiago in the head also struck my heart,” said Santiago’s uncle, Frank DeFazio, who gave the eulogy.
“Hey, Mel, if you’re watching, kid . . . We’re so proud if you. I love you. Our family will never be the same without you,” he said.
Santiago’s heartbroken parents, Cathy and Alec McBride, arrived arm in arm — his father clutching Santiago’s prized Philadelphia Eagles football jersey.
One family member fell to the ground before the service began and had to be removed on a stretcher.
Hundreds of cops gathered outside St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Jersey City, saluting Santiago’s coffin, which was draped in an American flag.
Friends and family called the 23-year-old officer — who was shot dead in the line of duty on Sunday — a quick learner who had always dreamed of being a cop.
“Melvin was always intent on good prevailing over evil, protecting the vulnerable and maintaining order in the community,” Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said at the service.
“[He] understood that being a police officer was dangerous but he also understood that it was the highest calling of service possible,” he said.
He added, “He’s a hero to quite a few people in this room today.”
Santiago was gunned down by a thug who ambushed him in a Walgreens parking lot.
Lawrence Campbell, 27, stole a gun from a security guard before spraying Santiago’s car with bullets, police sources said.
Campbell was shot dead at the scene by Santiago’s partner, police sources said.
Gov. Chris Christie and former Gov. Jim McGreevey were among the mourners at Santiago’s funeral.
After the service, Christie offered his condolences to Santiago’s mother.
The Rev. Kevin Carter, a former Jersey City Police chaplain, called the rookie cop’s death tragic.
“We would have rather [his death] been when he was 83, not 23, but nevertheless, he is with God,” he said.
Carter also called for an end to gun violence in the community.
“There is such a disrespect for human life . . . The only way we can counteract that is to have a greater respect for the dignity and sanctity of life. Human life is not cheap,” he said.
Santiago was promoted posthumously to the rank of detective and awarded the police department’s medal of honor earlier this week.