Officer Santiago to be promoted, receive Medal of Honor

The rookie Jersey City cop who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday will be posthumously promoted to the rank of detective later this week.

Jersey City police officer Melvin Santiago (AP Photo/Jersey City Mayor's office)

Officer Melvin Santiago, ambushed and shot to death while responding to a call at a 24-7 Walgreen's, will also receive the Medal of Honor from Mayor Steven Fulop.

“This honor will be a lasting tribute to the ultimate sacrifice paid by Officer Santiago,” said Fulop. “He was truly everything one would want in a police officer and was a shining star in our community."

The promotion and ceremony will take place at Santiago's wake on Thursday at McLaughlin Funeral Home.

Badge and Medal (Photo courtesy of City of Jersey City)

Santiago's killer was shot down by police.