About Lt. Santiago
Lt. Jose A. Santiago had a long career in law enforcement and corrections. His introduction to law enforcement was during the Viet Nam War era, when he became a Military Police (MP) officer. Post military he continued his law enforcement career joining the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, then the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked in various assignments rising to the rank of lieutenant with the Santa Clara County Department of Corrections.
While raising a family, Lt. Santiago attended San Jose State University, receiving a Bachelors degree in Human Resources and Accounting. Concurrently he was active in professional, art and service organizations such as National Latino Peace Officers’ Association, Hispanic American Police Command Officers’ Association, International Police Association, Los Lupenos De San Jose Dance Company. He also served on the board of the Blue and Gold Award Committee, assisting in the execution of the yearly ceremony honoring fellow officers who served their community so well, putting their life on the line to serve and protect.
Per chance Lt. Santiago found out in 1995 that he had contracted Hepatitis C. This was devastating news and at the time a fatal disease. While the odds were frightening, he did not give up hope and looked for every possible cure available. However, treatment options were scarce in the mid-nineties as Hepatitis C was relatively new. As he had absolutely no other risk factors for Hepatitis C, Lt. Santiago was sure that his disease was the result of a workplace exposure.
Realizing he was running out of time Lt. Santiago attempted to live life to its fullest. He traveled to Europe, Hawaii, Caribbean, throughout the United States and traversed the Panama Canal. Upon retirement, he still did not give up, but pursued a graduate degree in Byzantine History. However, his health had already greatly deteriorated and he was not able to even complete the first semester. Posthumously he was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor society.
When Lt. Santiago could no longer fight the disease he died surrounded by his family and friends, many who are part of the extended law enforcement community. Lt. Santiago’s ashes were taken to Puerto Rico, where he was born, and interned at the National Cemetery, with full military honors.
To honor his commitment to education a Memorial Foundation was established June 2007, and the first scholarship was presented in his name February 9, 2008.
