after the heroic sacrifice of this police officer, the town hall gives his name to a square

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The place at the bottom of the Saint-Liesne coastin Melun (Seine-et-Marne), was invested by many police officers, state representatives et habitants came to honor the memory of Lieutenant Nicolas Debarge.

Cet anti-crime squad agent (BAC) had lost his life and 2010 and throwing itself into the Seinein the prefecture city, for save a runaway. This ceremony marked the inauguration of please now bearing his name, accompanied by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

A heroic act in collective memory

Laurent Mercier, interdepartmental director of the national police of Seine-et-Marne, opened the ceremony by recalling the tragic circumstances Why courageous gesture. ” It's a very important and extraordinary moment. A police officer from the Melun police station died after a heroic act in 2010,” he explained.

The career of Nicolas Debarge, born April 28, 1985, testifies to a unfailing commitment : from his entry into the Oissel police academy at the age of 19, to his rise within the BAC in 2009. Altruistic and passionatehe had already distinguished himself during a armed robbery at Mée-sur-Seine.

“He had a real desire to help others without waiting for counterpart”, underlined Laurent Mercier.

In fact, it is during a mission that Nicolas Debarge made theultimate sacrifice : that of his own life. It was 5:30 a.m. in Melun on September 5, 2010. He was under full surveillance to arrest a vehicle arsonist.

He is then the witness of a road accident. “The author fled by diving into the Seine. Nicholas threw himself into the water to help, but he drowns while trying to save the fugitive“, explains Laurent Mercier.

Bringing memory to life

For the mayor of Melun, Kadir Mebarek, the tribute paid to Nicolas Debarge is dedicated to thank the lieutenant of this pure gesture. “Rather than 'death in service', it should rather be said 'fallen as a hero'. He was a everyday hero“, he affirmed in front of an attentive assembly.

The recognition of the city, through this inauguration, aims to etch your name in history of the municipality and to recall its commitment to every generation who will take this place.

“It’s a form of symbolic immortality“, specified the mayor, echoing the words of Jean d'Ormesson : “There is something stronger than death : this is the presence of the absent in the memory of the living and the transmission. »

Denis Jullemier, vice-president of the Department, expressed l’admiration that the act of Nicolas Debarge still inspires today.

By dedicating this public space to him, the community intends honor not only his memorybut also that of all law enforcement and emergency officers who risk their lives every day. “This place becomes a place of memory“, he said.

The prefect of Seine-et-Marne, Pierre Ory, added a national dimension to this tribute: “Here we are gathered to honor the memory of Nicolas Debarge and remember the unwavering support from the state to law enforcement. »

The memory of this sacrifice is a constant reminder of the responsibility a you courage demonstrated by members of the security forces, whether they are confronted with environmental, social or terrorist crises.

A supported family

The most moving speech came from father of Nicolas Debargewho spoke on behalf of the family: “We wanted to express our deep gratitude. We are aware of the honor and are grateful. »

The emotion was palpable among the colleagues present, united in the memory of this man ready to do anything to fulfill his duty. “ Thanks to colleagues of Nicolas and his hierarchy who, despite the passage of time, don't forget it“, he adds.

By inaugurating this square, the city of Melun and the Republic wanted to mark indelibly the courage of Nicolas Debarge. This solemn gesture anchor not only its history in local heritagebut also reminds everyone ofimportance of service and sacrifice.

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