Making Headlines - NJ Cops Magazine

Transcription

“The Voice of New Jersey Law Enforcement”
www.njcopsmagazine.com
JULY 2015
Biggest-ever Collective Bargaining Seminar
ATLANTIC CITY PD
MERGER DEFEATED
Mini-convention
draws big attendance
and bigger praise
n
o
i
t
p
o
n
la
p
d
e
t
i
LPP creates unlim
PBA members
come to Trenton
for a day they
will never forget
Rallying to make a stand
against the governor in LBI
Making Headlines
Year One for Colligan-Kovar
is one for all
UNANIMOUS
APPROVAL FOR
NJSPBA PAC FUND
Legislators
praise PBA
support on
Election Day
The President’s Message
Wow! What a Ride!
The 1st Year in Review
NEW JERSEY STATE
POLICEMEN’S BENEVOLENT
ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Author Hunter S. Thompson is the writer of my favorite quote of all
time: He certainly had his share of personal issues but once wrote:
PATRICK COLLIGAN
State President
MARC KOVAR
Executive Vice-President
Mark Butler 1st Vice-President
Peter Andreyev 2nd Vice-President
Jerry Tolomeo 3rd Vice-President
Andy Haase 4th Vice-President
Henry Werner 5th Vice-President
Michael Pellegrino 6th Vice-President
Domenic Cappella 7th Vice-President
Mark Aurigemma 8th Vice-President
Manuel Corte 9th Vice-President
Mark Messinger 10th Vice-President
Eugene Dello 11th Vice-President
James Crilly 12th Vice-President
Michael Kaniuk Financial Secretary
George Miller Recording Secretary
John Monsees Treasurer
Keith Bennett Trustee
Richard Kott Trustee
Richard Brown Trustee
Bruce Chester Trustee
Margaret Hammond Trustee
Frederick Ludd Trustee
Luke Sciallo Trustee
Frank Cipully Trustee
John Cernek Sergeant-at-Arms
Ed Carattini Jr. Sergeant-at-Arms
Michael Freeman Sergeant-at-Arms
Bryan Flannia Sergeant-at-Arms
Robert Ormezzano Sergeant-at-Arms
Joseph Biamonte Sergeant-at-Arms
Terrance Benson Sergeant-at-Arms
Rodney Furby Sergeant-at-Arms
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NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
Patrick
Colligan
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside
in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
Now that certainly would have described some of my trips to Key
West during the past years, but I never would have thought that quote
would cover an entire year of my life.
You all know the story by now. I was supposed to be in a quiet corner of the NJ State
PBA office, answering your pension questions and doing the pension seminar road
show. I enjoyed the work and would have been happy to finish out my career there.
Things happen in life that we aren’t always expecting. Needless to say, I wasn’t
expecting to be sitting at the president’s desk. But I’m certainly glad it happened that
way.
“Wow! What a ride!” certainly sums up our first year. It seems like Marc and I just hit
the ground a few weeks ago. We started in July of 2014, and we were immediately hit
with two tragic line-of-duty deaths and a governor that was intent on disrespecting a
slain teacher’s life and the honorable work of teachers, firefighters and law
enforcement officers that constructed a playground in Long Beach Island in her honor.
For the record, we kept him off the playground that day. We also made a pledge to our
membership to meet every single legislator in six months.
We knew how important it was to reconnect in Trenton after some very
disappointing years from many of our legislators. We soon realized it would take more
like a year and we are only about a dozen short as of today, but we will be done very
soon. Our governor has kept us busy by doing everything but making good decisions
for our state. The pension debacle has compounded; he is pushing police
consolidation as the miracle cure for New Jersey policing and commissioned the pension roadmap that led nowhere good for those of us in PFRS. I’ve only scratched the
surface of our first year, but I know much more will be covered in this issue.
For those that believed in us and showed up for us this past year when we needed
you, I offer you a very sincere “THANK YOU!” For those who haven’t yet, we still need
your help. Trenton Day 2 is in the works, and we have one hell of a big election coming
up this November.
For the kind words everywhere we go, trust me…it really is appreciated. Our successes have certainly outweighed our disappointments, and I’m sure year two will also be
full of curve balls, speed bumps and a lot of great successes too.
God-willing, I will be sitting at the same desk next year, reflecting on year two and
thinking “Wow! What a ride!” d
Putting out a call for help
Sometimes, you get a phone call and you know it’s
not going to be a good one. I received one of those
recently late at night. It’s never good news when it
comes at that time.
A State Delegate called to tell me another one of
our members took his own life. I spent the next hour
on the phone, contacting our Peer Assistance
Response Team, activating our resources and doing
Marc
whatever we could to help our members.
Kovar
Executive
During the next couple hours, I found myself
Vice-President
thinking about the officer who shot himself, how and
why it happened, what it says to the rest of us and the
rest of the world. And what we can do about it.
Now, you know me by now and you know I rarely mince words. I
first thought about the officer and the family left behind. I didn’t
know him personally, but I know the pain his mother and father and
the rest of his family and friends are feeling. I lost my partner at the
Passaic Police Department to suicide several years ago. I really miss
that kid. He had a young son, and his mother, father and brother are
still hurting really bad.
Then, I thought, “What the hell?” We know law enforcement officers committing suicide is beyond an epidemic. But why does it
always seem to be somebody in the late 30s or early 40s with a young
family? Is it that bad that they are willing to leave their kids and their
spouses to go on without them?
And then I wondered if there was anybody who could have
helped him?
You don’t have to be the President or State Delegate of your Local
to talk to your fellow members about getting help. You can be on the
job one year or 15 years. If you tell somebody you think they need to
go get help, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. There’s
nothing to be ashamed of when you are helping a member who
might have a drinking, gambling or marital problem.
Tell them they are being selfish if they don’t get help, especially if
it is somebody who is married with kids. Remind them that nobody
will know they are getting help unless they tell somebody. We have
a lot of help available out there.
When I first came on the job in 1990, if you said you were going to
see a psychologist, you were blackballed. You were shunned. But we
have put all these support programs in place because we know how
bad the stress is from working nights and holidays, seeing the dead
bodies and the stabbing and shooting victims, many of whom are
kids. It takes a toll more and more, so don’t be afraid to get the help.
This is not the time to be timid or worry about insulting fellow
members by telling them they need help. Members have to be looking out for each other.
There are always signs that something is wrong: Somebody who
used to be the one always talking is now quiet. Somebody who used
to be the happy guy is now miserable. We're law enforcement officers. We know when somebody is not right. We know the signs.
So call somebody.
Call me. Call Mike Pellegrino, who has taken over as chair of the
Peer Liaison Committee and will be building on the great work Ken
Burkert achieved in starting this vital effort. Or call Dr. Stefanelli or
Dr. Bizzarro. Or call Cop 2 Cop. Make the call. It’s the most important
one you will ever make.
Believe me, a lot of your brothers and sisters are making the call.
The resources are there for you, and they work. If we didn’t have
these resources, there would be a lot more suicides, a lot more
divorces and a lot more jobs lost. d
NEW STATE DELEGATES WELCOMED
At the June 23 state meeting in Atlantic City the following new delegates were sworn in: Danielle Walker, Plainfield Local 19;
Joseph B. Keane, Metuchen Local 60; Kurt Carter, Union Township Local 69; Victor D. Conti, 3rd, Roselle Local 99; Michael J. Rusin,
Jr., Fanwood Local 123; Vittorio Spadea, Somerville Local 147; Matthew Kloo, West Milford Local 162; Sean P. O’Leary, Hudson
County Prosecutor’s Office Local 232; Andrew Smith, Little Silver Local 359.
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JULY 2015
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY........................................................PAGE 29
Read all about it
“The Voice of New Jersey Law Enforcement”
ATLANTIC CITY PD
MERGER DEFEATED
Year One of the Pat Colligan-Marc Kovar
Mini-convention
draws big attendance
NJ State PBA leadership governed a
Biggest-ever Collective Bargaining Seminar
and bigger praise
series of achievements and events that
n
tio
LPP creates unlimited plan op
has members feeling the positive
Rallying to make a stand
PBA members
against the governor in LBI
n
nto
Tre
to
me
reinforcement. The PBA executives offer cofor a day they
will never forget Making Headlines
a look behind those headlines at what
Year One for Colligan-Kovar
made these achievement possible, and
is one for all
UNANIMOUS
ROVAL FOR
APP
members provide their analysis of a
Legislators
NJSPBA PAC FUND
praise PBA
year that was everything they could
support on
Election Day
have hoped for…and beyond.
JULY 2015
545 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Main Number:
Advertising:
Editorial:
Distribution:
Subscriptions:
Email:
Web-site:
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201-880-7288
201-410-1721
201-370-4082
201-410-1721
subs@njcopsmagazine.com
cops@njcopsmagazine.com
MITCHELL KRUGEL
Editor and Publisher
mitch@njcopsmagazine.com
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DAN RAPPOPORT
Sales Director
dan@njcopsmagazine.com
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JEANNE B. DAUBNER
Art Director
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GINA CROTCHFELT
Graphic Artist
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Associate Editor
joshua@njcopsmagazine.com
Legislative Spotlight
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-20th District) has made no secret of
the fact that she is a friend to law enforcement, and has shown time and
time again that she is willing to stand up for what is right..........Page 20
Mike Kaniuk has been making the rounds to Locals across the state to talk about his candidacy for
PFRS Board Trustee. Voting ends on July 24, so here a few words to remind members why they
need to vote for Mike............................................................................................................Page 26
Peer-ing into the future
Princeton Local 130 member Adam Basatemur has carried the Torch many
times, but this year, he was able to run it in to the stadium at the College
of New Jersey when the NJ Special Olympic Games opened for a very special athlete: his daughter, Ella..........................................................Page 44
PLUS: A look at the PBA Locals that carried the torch ....Pages 45-47
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
ED CARATTINI JR
PBA Photographer
pbanews072@njspba.com
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JENNIFER TRATTLER
Editorial Assistant
jennifer@njcopsmagazine.com
DEANNA HUNTER
Operations Manager
dee@njcopsmagazine.com
If you have a news tip or a press release,
email information to news@njspba.com
A special Torch Run
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JOHN HULSE
PBA Editor
news@njspba.com
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The Peer Liaison Committee has achieved ground-breaking work under the direction of Ken Burkert, who has completed his service with Union County Corrections and is handing over direction of
one of the PBA’s most important initiatives to good friend Mike Pellegrino ..........................Page 42
President’s Message ...........................Page 4
Executive Vice-President....................Page 5
The 4-1-1.............................................Page 8
PBA Legal Corner .............................Page 10
Legislative Report ............................Page 12
Health Benefits Update ...................Page 14
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Don’t forget to vote
Also in this issue
JOSHUA SIGMUND
Pension and Benefits Update..........Page 16
Corrections Report ...........................Page 18
Local 600 Report ..............................Page 22
NAPO Report....................................Page 24
Around the State .............................Page 55
Training Station................................Page 76
Health and Wellness ........................Page 79
Member Benefits .............................Page 93
JULY 2015 ■ Vol. 19 No. 7
New Jersey COPS, known also as NJ COPS, is a monthly
publication dedicated to law enforcement and criminal
justice professionals operating in the State of New Jersey.
©2015 KRURAPP COMMUNICATIONS INC. Reproduction
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Address subscription inquiries and address changes to
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THE 411: Fundraisers and Fun
SAVE THE DATES
August 1
NJ State PBA NY Mets Law Enforcement Night at Citi Field
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Citi Field
123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, New York
7:10 p.m.
Info: newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/ticketing/group_
offers.jsp?group=njspba
AUG.
September 18-25
18-25
NJ State PBA Annual Convention
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa
11011 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas
Info: Debbie 732-636-8860
SEPT.
July 9
July 16
New Presidents Class
PBA Office
158 Main Street, Woodbridge
10 a.m. Info: Register at info@njspba.com
July 12
Clark Local 125 7th Annual
Waterson/Dunham Valor Ride
Deutscher Club
787 Featherbed Lane, Clark
9 a.m. Info: Danny 732-259-3513
NJ State PBA Local
Treasurers Training
PBA Office
10 a.m. Info: Register at info@njspba.com
July 20
Upper Saddle River Local 218 Annual
Golf Outing
Apple Ridge Country Club
269 East Crescent Avenue, Mahwah
11 a.m. Info: Joseph 201-406-6375
August 8-9
Readington Township Local 317
3rd Annual 3D Shoot
Pickell Mountain Park, Mountain Road off
Route 523, Whitehouse Station
7 a.m. Info: Readington3D@gmail.com
August 10
Bridgewater Local 174
2nd Annual Golf Outing
Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club
25 Clubhouse Drive, Whitehouse Station
8 a.m. Info: Peter 908-507-0369
August 15
Marlboro Local 196 Fluke Fishing
Tournament
Atlantic Highlands Marina
2 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands
10:15 a.m. Info: jloyer@marlboropd.org
August 16
Harrison-East Newark Elks Ride for
Vets Charity Motorcycle Run
Harrison-East Newark Elks
408 Harrison Avenue, Harrison
11 a.m.
Info: Elks 973-485-9478
August 23
Sussex Local 138 Golf Outing
Crystal Springs Golf Resort
138 Route 23 North, Franklin
7:30 a.m.
Info: Sussex County Sheriff’s Office
973-579-0888
July 22
Local 134 Lieutenant Brian Beutel
Memorial Fundraiser
The Venetian
546 River Drive, Garfield
7 p.m. Info: Andrew 201-280-7955
2015 Street League Skateboarding
World Tour
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark
1:40 p.m. Info: To order tickets, go to prucenter.com/SLS15 and use offer code NJSPBA
July 14
July 27
August 31
East Windsor Local 191 29th Annual
Golf Classic
Mercer Oaks Golf Course
725 Village Rd, Princeton Junction
9 a.m.
Info: Wayne 609-448-5678 ext. 645
Clifton Local 36 Honoring Those
Who Move Clifton Forward
Boys and Girls Club of Clifton
181 Colfax Avenue, Clifton
7 p.m.
Info: Michael 973-277-9208
July 15
Pension Seminar
July 27
July 13
PBA Office
10 a.m. Registration
July 16
Barrington Local 328 Community
Heroes 5K to Support Barrington
Sergeant Andrew Willson
Royal Fitness
50 East Gloucester Pike, Barrington
7 p.m.
Info: Royal Fitness 856-547-3326
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JULY 2015
Pension Seminar
PBA Office
10 a.m. Registration
July 28
Florham Park Local 78 Retirement
Celebration for Chief Patrick Montuore
The Park Savoy Estate
236 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park
7 p.m. Info: Denise 973-410-5380
Hackettstown-Mansfield Local 369
Annual Golf Outing
Panther Valley Golf & Country Club
1 Forest Drive, Hackettstown
1 pm. Info: Darren 908-852-3302
2015 NJ STATE PBA
MEETING DATES
July 14:
Aug:
Sept. 17:
Oct. 13:
Nov. 17:
Dec. 8:
Pines Manor, Edison
No meeting
Annual Convention,
Red Rock Casino,
Las Vegas
Pines Manor, Edison
Atlantic City
Pines Manor, Edison
Politics trumps law in pension decision
The disappointing decision of the New Jersey
Supreme Court refusing to enforce the provisions of
Chapter 78, which provide for mandatory pension
contributions by the state, is not just legally incorrect and morally unfair. It is also an abdication of
the court's duty to enforce clear employee rights
because of its fear of the political ramifications that
might ensue. Of course, making decisions without
concern for political consequences is precisely
what courts are created and sworn to do – make
unpopular rulings which, in the long run, uphold the rule of
law. The analysis contained in the Supreme Court’s decision is
an unfortunate example of an abdication of its core judicial
responsibility.
By now you all know the basic facts. After years of underfunding, Chapter 78 was specifically enacted to require that the state
make its required contributions to the pension systems. It created a contract promising that each year the amount to be paid
would be ratcheted up in one-seventh increments, meaning the
full actuarial contribution would not even be made for seven
years. Nonetheless, it was a major improvement to the chronic
lack of virtually any funding. The governor made the first two
annual payments, but since that time has used his line- item
veto to avoid payment of even these limited statutory amounts.
On behalf of the NJ State PBA, we sued the governor for his
breach of the contractual promise contained in the very law he
pushed as the solution to the pension problem.
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JULY 2015
It bears repeating that this was no ordinary
contract entered into by the state. It was a contract
and promise created by a statute – an extraordinary
action. In fact, because of chronic underfunding of
the pension plans, we worked very hard to ensure that
Chapter 78 contained language that was both crystal
clear and impossible for a court to ignore. Provisions
were inserted to make certain that the contributions
to be made by the state were not just aspirational –
they are an explicit statutory “contract” with each
state employee. Moreover, to avoid technical legal defenses,
Chapter 78 included language that any pension participant or
union could sue the state to enforce that contractual right, and
that the state even waived “sovereign immunity” – its defense
when we previously sought to enforce the contract right in federal court.
Notwithstanding all the foregoing, the court ruled 5-2 that
the legislature – and governor – did not have the legal authority
to “create” such a contract, because provisions of the New
Jersey Constitution known as the Debt Limitation Clause and
the Appropriations Clause prohibit any legislature from requiring a specific monetary payment to be made by future legislatures or the governor without voter approval. In effect, the court
held that the state did not have the authority to enter into this
contract. While it did not declare the statute unconstitutional,
as the governor contended, it effectively declared the component requiring state funding to be legally unenforceable. Of
course, the New Jersey Supreme Court has often vacillated on
when a particular expenditure constitutes a “bonded debt”
which must be subject to voter referendum, and when a particular payment is simply a normal expenditure of government.
Here, it is difficult to ignore the logic that paying a pension
obligation annually is not a “bonded debt,” but simply the cost
of having a pension system at all. And it is worth noting that
New Jersey has never failed to make the full payment on any
bond it has ever issued for private bondholders, even without
such a statute.
The politics, however, trumped logic and fairness. Not surprisingly, the three recent Gov. Christie appointees to the court
all voted for reversing Judge Jacobson’s decision in our favor.
The two dissenting justices accepted our arguments that there
was no inherent contradiction in upholding the Chapter 78’s
contractual promise, despite the constitutional provisions. The
dissent also pointed out that the state’s seven year phase-in of
full contributions was directly tied to the increased pension
and health-care contributions you are required to pay. By
refusing to invalidate employee contributions under Chapter
78, employees must continue to pay while the governor is off
the hook for his end of the bargain. The dissent noted that the
majority decision enforcing the statute’s higher employee contributions, while giving the governor a pass on his reciprocal
obligation, was nothing short of a “bait and switch.” But the
case was effectively lost once the court had split along party
lines.
The opinion is particularly galling in that it contains numerous acknowledgements that our position is fundamentally correct; that what is occurring is grossly unfair and will only
increase cynicism about government; and that it only digs the
pension hole deeper. And, despite the obvious ramifications of
the decision, the court continues to contend that all vested
pension benefit obligations must be paid by the state – even
though it blinds itself to the reality that pension benefits
cannot be paid if pension contributions are not made.
What is occurring in New Jersey, unfortunately, differs from
several other states precisely because New Jersey does not have
a constitutional provision protecting public pensions. In Illinois, for example, there is such a constitutional protection. We
had hoped that the statutory language and history of Chapter
78 would be sufficient to convince any court that the payments
must nonetheless be made – even without a constitutional
amendment or voter approval. After all, the legislature and governor created and entered into this contract – not some errant
mid-level bureaucrat. Unfortunately, a majority of the justices
did not agree.
So, you now ask, where do we go from here? In the short run,
it is the same situation as always – the state is not making its
full contribution, the amount of unfunded liability is
increasing and everyone pays lip service to the theory that the
benefits will still be paid. And fortunately, the local component
of PFRS, the system in which the majority of law enforcement
officers participate, is still relatively well-funded. The reality,
however, is that unless this, or a future legislature and
governor, promptly start making all the payments, whether voluntarily or through a constitutional amendment, the Court’s
promise that all vested benefits will ultimately be paid in full
will remain more lip service than law. d
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JULY 2015
11
Sizing up Christie’s run for President
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Now that Chris Christie has announced he is a
Republican candidate for President, the question
that is most often obviously asked is, “Can he win?”
There are plenty of scenarios that can lead to starkly
different answers. The second question that tends
to follow is “Will he step down as governor?” That
question appears to have been answered. But
ROB NIXON unless something seismic occurs, in the state or in
the race, New Jersey is in for an unprecedented and
complex time for at least the next eight months.
To win the nomination, an individual needs to rely on a number
of fleeting factors: money, personality, experience, determination,
message, timing and luck. It would take far more than a magazine
article to properly analyze how Christie shapes up to these factors.
So let’s take a few key points that lie ahead of the campaign.
The Christie haters and the New Jersey press have obviously
made up their minds about his chances. Many articles following
his announcement, including some from national media outlets,
refer to the campaign as a “long shot” or “four years too late.” But
in the bright light of political reality, that may be a bit premature.
The most important factor, outside of the candidate themselves,
is money. Candidates will raise, and spend, tens of millions of dollars each the next few months. But candidates who lose in early
primaries will see that that their donors will move on to give to others they perceive can win. When the money dries up, candidates
quickly drop out.
There is little doubt Christie will be able to raise significant sums
of money to stay in the race well into 2016. A negative story, a bad
debate performance or a loss in an early primary tends to dry up
donations and that almost instantly ends their campaign. But
Christie is a great fundraiser and he has developed a team of
mega-rich donors and a “Super PAC” that practically assures he
will not run out of money during his race. Access to campaign cash
means he will continue to travel, run ads and push his message to
compete with his negative polling numbers.
The current polls seem to indicate that Christie is a second-tier
candidate, but they are in reality a snapshot in the past and often
they teach candidates how to fix themselves or hurt their opponents enough to move up. Plus, polls on Christie’s duties in New
Jersey take into account Democrats and independents who have
soured on their prior acceptance, and they represent a group that
is mainly irrelevant in a GOP Primary. In many ways, political spin
can be employed to use those numbers to build the Christie message for President – that he doesn’t need to be loved to be effective
and that he is just what the country needs now.
We are far too close to the situation to see the entire picture. The
Presidential race won’t actually get to us until the Republican Primary in June 2016. But the real race for the nomination begins in
February and March when voters go to the polls for primary elections in Iowa, New Hampshire and other key states. And that is
important to remember. Chris Christie is no longer speaking to a
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JULY 2015
New Jersey audience, and he is not at all concerned if the StarLedger editorial board approves of him or whether public employees picket his appearances.
New Jersey residents need to remember who Chris Christie is
trying to impress. GOP primary voters tend to be more conservative than the average New Jersey voter, and they were not paying
attention to whether the governor called pensions a “sacred trust”
or whether he intentionally underfunded the pension system. So
a protest from New Jersey employees is only going to set the governor up nicely to roll into his stump speech about “telling it like it
is” and “making hard decisions.” And that, quite honestly, is going
to drive New Jersey public employees to the brink of insanity.
There is no question, regardless of how one feels about him, that
the governor has a gift for public speaking and for conveying
authority and conviction. That doesn’t mean what he says is accurate, but in Presidential politics accuracy is less effective than the
delivery and the message itself. Compared to the field of more than
a dozen GOP candidates, Chris Christie is not going to lose a
debate on style unless he decides to mock, ridicule or personally
attack a fellow candidate. Other candidates, however, know he can
be baited to attack and some of them are likely dreaming for a sitdown-and-shut-up moment. That may work, to some effect, in
Jersey but it simply won’t be viewed as Presidential in a primary
campaign.
Christie’s opponents have lots of ammo. The economy here lags
behind other states. He has fluctuated his positions on some core
conservative GOP issues. He is far too close to Democrats for
some, and I am sure the picture of him hugging President Obama
after Hurricane Sandy hit is going to find its way into mailboxes
and on TV if he starts moving up the ranks. That is even before you
mention the “Bridgegate” issue. And he isn’t running against Barbara Buono this time around, so rest assured if opposing candidates need to use their opposition research on him, they will hit
the governor where it hurts.
Christie’s chances to win the GOP nomination hinge in many
ways on winning an early primary, notably New Hampshire. If he
gets blown out there, the national media will immediately write
him off and voters in other primary states will look elsewhere.
Which means he will probably be in New Hampshire, and other
early primary states, as much as he is in New Jersey. That is necessary for his run for office but probably not conducive to governing
here. Christie has given every indication, publicly and privately,
that he has no intention to leave office early. Nobody, therefore,
should be looking for him to call it a day in Trenton and move on.
With so many candidates in the race there is a great deal of
opportunity to either break free or fall behind the pack. While the
odds still don’t favor him winning the nomination, we are really
only in the pre-game warm-up to the event itself. Which means
there will be a lot less governing and a lot more politics driving the
agenda in the state for the near future. d
Understanding Direct Primary Care Medical Homes
HEALTH BENEFITS UPDATE
KEVIN C.
LYONS
While the State Health Benefits Plan Design
Committee works out the final details for the
2016 plan year, one of the additions that will
likely be made to the plan is the access to Direct
Primary Care Medical Homes (DPCMH)
through a pilot program for the PPO plans
(Direct and Freedom models) and EPO Plans (a
new plan that will likely be introduced in 2016)
within the State Health Benefits Plan.
In January, the labor side of the committee
met with all of the other public employee
unions and agreed to investigate the possibility of initiating a
voluntary pilot program using the DPCMH model. It is important that our membership be educated on the model so each of
us can make an educated decision to determine if this is a viable
option for you and your families. Please know that neither the
NJ Sate PBA, nor I, are endorsing this program at this time, but
nor are we condemning the pilot. The fact of the matter is that
current health care delivery is expensive and inefficient, and we
are attempting to find ways to control costs.
The model of a DPCMH is obviously based on primary care
physicians who manage a member’s health care from A-to-Z.
This is crucial for chronic disease management in situations
Edmond P. Brady, CPA – Partner
ebrady@mbccpa.com
6I[HPUYLPUZ[H[LTLU[VMYL]VRLK09:
UV[MVYWYVÄ[Z[H[\Z
(\KP[PUNHJJV\U[PUNHUK[H_ZLY]PJLZMVY7)(Z
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ZVM[^HYLWHJRHNLZ
;H_WYLWHYH[PVUHUKJVTWSPHUJLMVYHSS-LKLYHS
HUK:[H[L[H_MVYTZPUJS\KPUN-VYT 9LNPZ[YH[PVUHUKWLYPVKPJÄSPUNZVM7)(7(*
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5L^1LYZL`HUK<:+LW[VM3HIVY"
([[VYUL`.LULYHSHUK7YVZLJ\[VYZ6MÄJL
Responsible for more than 300 PBA’s in
New Jersey and New York
Licensed in NJ, NY and Mass.
Livingston, NJ • Yonkers, NY
Phone (973) 535-2880 • www.mbccpa.com
14
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies have shown that
with constant monitoring and medical intervention, downstream costs can be controlled by keeping people healthy. In any
health insurance model, it is widely accepted that 10 percent of
the members use 90 percent of the health care dollars,
increasing costs for all of us. This is greatly driven by specialists
and hospital costs.
Currently, in the U.S., there are two specialists for every primary care doctor. This is the opposite of almost every country in
the world, and is greatly due to financial incentives for doctors
in the current fee-for-service model. Doctors are financially
incentivized to bill as many services in a visit as they can. In the
current model, each primary care doctor has a patient panel of
2,500 to 3,500. In the DPCMH model, doctors can have a maximum panel size from 1,000 to 1,200 and are paid on a per- member-per-month basis. That is to say, that for every patient that is
in their panel, doctors will be paid a set amount every month.
This allows doctors to have adequate time to manage your
health. In the model we are exploring, any members enrolling
will have 24-7 access to primary care doctors and will be guaranteed much longer appointments (the current primary care
visit last six-to-eight minutes). This allows them to actually practice medicine instead of pumping out patients, which
potentially allows them to miss issues that may be underlying
causes to health problems.
With regards to larger health issues, the DPCMH will also have
a cadre of specialists that can treat more serious issues. They will
have immediate access to all of your records, and the primary
care doctor can coordinate with any specialists that you might
have to visit.
The DPCMH doctors must answer to a high standard, which
is determined by industry quality metrics. The metrics are determined by doctor performance and patient surveys. These will be
compiled and reviewed on a regular basis by both the division
and the Design Committee.
The incentive for our members is that anyone who enrolls will
have copays waived when using the DPCMH, notwithstanding
the proposed higher level of care that you will receive. Another
potential benefit is the ability to move to a lower-cost plan (not
HMOs) and actually receive a higher-level benefit than what you
are currently receiving, which could reduce your current chapter
78 contribution. With regards to services not offered by the
DPCMH, you will able to use the benefit in your current packages.
While the program is a three-year pilot that can only be
extended by an affirmative vote of the Design Committee, any
enrollee that is not satisfied can still use their normal benefit
and leave the pilot at any time.
While no program is perfect, the DPCMH is an attempt to
control costs, geographically and medically. It may or may not
be for you, but in any event it is an attempt to control costs and
give you another healthcare option. d
Congress is signing on to repeal of
Affordable Care Act Excise Tax
The NJ State PBA and NAPO have been closely following H.R.
2050, “The Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal act of 2015,”
which would repeal the excise tax for self-funded medical plans.
The bill, which was introduced on April 28 and would greatly
assist both our employers and our members and was gaining
momentum among the House of Representatives, would alleviate the growing pressure on our Locals in collective bargaining.
The Affordable Care Act currently contains language that
provides for a 40-percent tax on all plans that exceed $27,500 for
family coverage and $10,200 for single coverage (there is an
extension for “highly dangerous jobs” but the plan has to
include more than 50 percent of its members in those professions) starting in 2018.
This tax is being held over our members’ heads at the bargaining table by employers and will be a stumbling block
should it be implemented. To date, the IRS has not issued guidance on this matter, but professionals in the health care field
believe that a portion will be passed on to our members,
although the initial legislation says the tax is on the plan sponsor.
This is troublesome, especially in New Jersey, which has one
of the highest costs of health care in the country.
As of July 1, eight New Jersey congressional reps, both Democrat and Republican, have signed on as co-sponsors.
State PBA President Colligan has reached out to the remaining four members of Congress and asked for their support. The
PBA will continue to monitor the legislation and keep you
informed. d
PBA NEWS
SEPT. 12-13
SHIP BOTTOM IRISH
FESTIVAL
Ship Bottom Boat Ramp Parking
Lot: 10th and Shore Avenue
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
$10 gate admission,
children under 15 free
Info: www.lbiaoh.com/festival.html
To register for the 5K:
www.RaceForum.com/Shamrock5K
State PBA President Patrick Colligan to receive
top honor at Ship Bottom Irish Festival
Lacey Township Local 238 former State Delegate Bernie Snyder, who
also serves as the committee chairman for the 10th Annual Ship Bottom
Irish Festival being hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians John P. Holland Division on Sept. 12-13, has announced that NJ State PBA President
Patrick Colligan will be honored as the festival’s Man of the Year.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is an Irish-Catholic fraternal organization founded around the principles of Friendship, Unity, and Christian
Charity. Its Ship Bottom Irish Festival is a charity that year after year exists
to support worthy causes in New Jersey.
The festival, which will be held in Ship Bottom at the municipal boat
ramp rain or shine, features entertainment including pipes and drums
bands and Irish step dancers. There will be numerous vendors providing
merchandise, food and plenty of refreshments.
On Sept. 13, the LBI Shamrock 5K Walk/Run Race kicks off the second
day’s festivities, followed by a Gaelic Mass, after which there will be a ceremony to honor Colligan. d
■
JULY 2015
15
Who is really making the sacrifice?
As many of you are aware, the New Jersey State
Supreme Court ruling regarding whether the governor must make payments into our pension has
been made. I have learned three things from this
recent decision:
1. Politicians lie, steal and cheat.
2. Politicians do not make any sacrifice, and are
rarely held accountable.
PETER
3. See numbers 1 and 2
ANDREYEV
On the face of the ruling, the Supreme Court’s
decision to not compel the governor to make the full pension payment could be detrimental. I mean one could imagine that our system is in trouble because the court did not hold the governor to his
promise, I mean lie, in which he publicly stated he would make the
required payments stemming from the
law that was a piece of the landmark legPENSION AND
islation, Chapter 78. I remind everyone
BENEFITS REPORT that, as a whole, our Police and Fire
Retirement System (PFRS) is financially
stable thanks in large part to our members who make the highest
pension contribution in the state, and also the local employers such
as our towns and county governments that are required to pay their
contributions.
I won’t get into any specific detail here regarding the legality of all
of this mess, however, I can say with certainty that our PFRS will not
run out of money anytime soon. Furthermore, you should know
that our pension system is funded at about 77 percent, and it would
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JULY 2015
be higher had that extra 1.5 percent that was required to be contributed would have been deposited into the pension like we were
told it would. Remember the governor saying that it would be a
shared sacrifice? (See numbers 1 and 2 at the top.)
If the governor had met his obligations along with putting in that
extra 1.5 percent, the PFRS pensions would be funded in the 90-percent range, and our current and prospective retirees would have a
chance at restoring the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) that they
have been without since 2011
NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan has called for the repeal of
Chapter 78, and I couldn’t agree with him more. Why should we be
the only ones to sacrifice? Our members are consistently making
those sacrifices and yet we continue to be vilified by the governor.
We all have seen or heard the governor misleading the public and
media by telling them that the state pension systems are in trouble
or in crisis so he can get a few extra points in his approval ratings.
The governor should inform the masses that our PFRS members
have continued to pay into the pension even when other pension
systems members did not make their contributions. Due to our
members’ contributions - and along with the contributions from
local and county employers - the PFRS Retirement System is in a
much better position financially than the other pension funds in the
state.
In my opinion, the only group that has made any sacrifice are the
members of the Police and Fire Retirement System. d
Closing thoughts from a devoted corrections officer
CORRECTIONS REPORT
When my last day with Monmouth County Corrections ended on June 30, I stopped on the way home to
play the lottery. I boxed the Pick-3 using 6-3-0 for 6-30,
which was not only my last day, but the day my
nephew, Sam Taivano, graduated into a job with State
Corrections at the state prison in Mountainside.
The winning number was 0-3-6. So I got lucky and
RICHARD came
out a little bit ahead.
BROWN
I think my career as a corrections officer and serving
the NJ State PBA can be summed up the same way. I
was very lucky to have worked a great job and worked with great people at the union. And I have come out more than a little bit ahead.
It’s funny, because when I started in 1988, I was making $17,500 per
year. But I have been able to raise a family of four sons, have my own
home, a great marriage and so many great experiences from being a
law enforcement officer and PBA member.
When I look back on 27 years, I have a lot of thoughts about corrections, so with love and respect for all my corrections sisters and brothers and my PBA sisters and brothers, allow me to share a few:
To all corrections officers…As I told my nephew, make sure you
are always fair and consistent. When you deal with inmates or supervisors, as long as you are fair and consistent, nobody can hold
anything against you. That works in all aspects of corrections.
With regard to the facilities…When I first started, the equipment
was outdated and didn’t allow you to do the job. The inmates lived in
almost barbaric conditions. And the officers lived with them. Now,
with all the new rules and new laws, they live in a nice atmosphere if
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NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
you can call a jail that. It sounds crazy, but it’s night and day.
Thanks for the training and education…All of this has increased
and, as a result, our peers and political figures have put us at the same
level as every other law enforcement agency. Over time, I think the
taxpayers, as well as the politicians, have realized corrections is very
important part of law enforcement.
To Monmouth County Corrections Officers Local 240…Members,
you are in good hands with President Anthony Anderson and the
entire Executive Board. The Local will not miss a beat.
To the PBA Corrections Committee…Thanks for bringing corrections closer to the community and to local police departments. I think
everyone knows we brought respect to corrections because we had a
committee that stayed together. We also had a voice in the state legislature and made sure we were there and active.
To the future of the PBA Corrections leadership…We might be
losing some experience with Ken Burkert from Union County Corrections and Joe Amato from Essex County Corrections moving on, too.
But the committee will rise to a new level under the leadership of
Andy Pacucci from Bergen County Sheriffs Department Local 134 and
Winslow Land from Mercer County Corrections Officers Local 164.
Devoted union members like Frederick Ludd, Terrence Benson and
Rodney Furby on the PBA Executive Board will build on what we have
accomplished.
And to all my fellow officers…Take care of yourself. You can’t take
care of anybody else unless you take care of yourself and your foundation first. You have to make sure yours is safe and secure before you
worry about anybody else. d
‘People have to know who you are’
Quijano’s relationship with NJ State PBA
is more like a friendship
n BY JOSHUA SIGMUND
As PBA members rocked the vote for the State Legislature Primary
Election on June 2 by flocking into the State PBA headquarters in
droves to run phone lines in an effort to ensure (re-)election for
those legislators who support law enforcement,
such dedication did not
go unnoticed. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano
made sure of that.
“I stopped by because I wanted to thank the individuals that are
helping me out when I needed help,” explained Quijano, who is facing challengers in the 20th Legislative District in Union County in
the November general election. “They came and made hundreds of
phone calls and it was wonderful that they did that. I actually got
emotional when I walked in the room. I appreciate that they believe
in me; I appreciate that my friends helped me.”
Why wouldn’t they help her?
Whether speaking up for unions at the 2011 rally in Trenton, fighting for PBA members’ pensions (“The state should honor their
word. That’s what we teach our children and anything less than that
is unacceptable,” she demanded), or even advocating for the tinting
of officers’ patrol car windows for their protection, Quijano has
proven time and time again that her support for New Jersey law
enforcement is solid and unwavering. This is a position she can
trace back to 2003 when she was working in the offices of the Governor’s Counsel, assigned to the Department of Labor, and a group
of police widows walked through the door, frustrated over an
archaic law keeping them from collecting the full benefits due to
them.
“I saw from the widows’ perspective how hard (law enforcement
officers) worked and they opened my eyes to the dangers of the job,”
Quijano recalled. Unfortunately at the time, the bill stalled.
When she was selected to fill a vacancy in the General Assembly
in 2008, Quijano met again with these widows, because, “who
knows the issue better than someone who worked on it before?” she
proposed. “They didn’t have to convince me.”
In June 2013, the bill was finally shepherded through both houses
and signed into law. The new law provides surviving spouses of certain fire and police personnel who die in line of duty with workers’
compensation for the entire period of survivorship.
“These widows showed me how you really lobby for a bill, even if
it takes 10 years,” Quijano contemplated. “They would even apologize to me (for being persistent) and I said, ‘Don’t.’ We work for you
and are supposed to listen to you and make the best decisions based
on the info we get, and that’s what makes a great bill.”
And isn’t that what makes a great legislator?
One might trace the path that led Annette Quijano to a position
on the New Jersey State Assembly to her years studying law at Rutgers Law School in Newark. But it was much earlier than that.
One might infer that the date and location of her birth – America’s
Independence Day, July 4, in Trenton, New Jersey’s capital city – was
an indication that she was destined for politics.
20
NEW JERSEY COPS
n
JULY 2015
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano
Democrat-20th District
Deputy Majority Leader
Legislative Service:
• General Assembly 2008-present
• Deputy Majority Leader 2012-present
Committee Service:
• Homeland Security and State Preparedness,
Chair
• Labor
But Quijano traces it to a moment of truth dealing with none
other than a cable company when she was a 15-year-old Sunday
school teacher at her Spanish-language church.
“In between the Spanish and English Masses, I heard people discussing the fact that a cable company had announced that they
would eliminate Spanish speaking programming,” Quijano recalled.
“They were very upset because that’s how they heard their news
from their countries and they preferred to hear it in Spanish.”
The congregation decided something had to be done.
“I can’t tell you why I did it,” she continued, “but I raised my hand
and they let me speak.”
Quijano proposed starting a petition and contacting local officials
as well as the offending company. She successfully led efforts that
gathered enough signatures threatening to cancel their subscriptions to make a difference.
“We were successful,” she exclaimed, noting what she really got
out of the endeavor: “I learned alliance building, talking to individuals, and the importance of having all kinds of people supporting
the cause. That was the start of my political journey.”
When that journey crossed paths with that of the PBA following
In her own words
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano has been a prime sponsor
on many bills that affect law enforcement. Here’s what she has
to say about a few of them:
(A213/S1593) Establishes “Police Officer, Firefighter, Public
School Teacher, Corrections Officer, and Sanitation Worker
Home-buyer Assistance Act.”; appropriates $5 million.
From left, NJ State PBA Executive Vice-President Marc Kovar, Representative Annette Quijano, President Pat Colligan and Local 600 member Tom Seabasty. retired State Delegate for Woodbridge Local 38.
President Pat Colligan’s promise to meet with every legislator in the
state, that intersection might as well have been called Productivity
Street and Friendship Boulevard.
“I was very impressed with both (Colligan and Executive VicePresident) Marc (Kovar),” Quijano emphasized. “This new
leadership hit the ground running and is very good about talking
about the concerns of their officers. With them you really believe
that their door is always open, and it has been. I’ve called about certain legislation and they’ve answered. And as new as they were, you
would still see them all the time in the halls of the State House, and
people know who they are because they have met with and spoken
with the Assembly. Other union presidents you only communicate
with by phone. But if you’re not at the table, you’re not going to get
work done. People have to know who you are.”
Be assured, NJ State PBA that Assemblywoman Quijano knows
who you are.d
There was a bill that requires a five-year residency of all new
police officers and firefighters in their municipalities. I believe
you incentivize public workers to live in the community that
they work, but I don’t believe you force them.
(A410) Establishes DOT roadside memorial program for fallen police officers, sheriff's officers, EMS workers, and firefighters; designated as “Patrolman Joseph Wargo’s Law.”
I think it’s important that we acknowledge the work that
police officers do, and if by misfortune they die in the line of
duty, it’s important that we as a community honor them.
(A1340) Requires removal of equipment and markings on
certain used emergency vehicles; requires that Attorney
General issue guidelines or directives.
Although this did not get through this session, it passed 78-0
in the assembly in May 2014. But this is a security issue so I’m
going to make it a priority.
■
JULY 2015
21
The Local 600 FAQ
As Local 600 members helped man
the State PBA booth at the 2015 Police
and Security Expo in Atlantic City,
numerous PBA retirees and soon-to-be
retirees stopped by to ask questions
about how the retired Local could benefit
them. Here are some of those frequently
asked questions:
Q: I’ve been retired for 10 years and never
felt the need to be involved with Local 600.
Why should I join now?
A: Of course things have been going well!
You’ve had a decent pension, you’ve been
getting the cost of living adjustments every year, you had your health benefits and you were collecting
your monthly checks. But now, a lot of that has been reduced or taken away. We’re the group that has
the political influence to fight to get bills sponsored and win back all the benefits we’ve earned over
our careers.
Q: I’m about to retire in three months. What can Local 600 do for me?
A:We get inquiries all the time from active members in their last year of employment that are looking
to stay involved in the PBA because you’re already getting benefits taken away from you while you’re
still working, and you have a good idea of the troubles about to come after retirement. If you want to
stay involved with the State PBA, and stay active in the battle to keep that monthly check coming,
we’re the Local for you.
Q: What are some of the biggest benefits of joining Local 600?
A: Because Local 600 is a large group – we have more than 4,000 members and growing each month
– we can offer many benefits. One of the big things our members are concerned with is when we’re
working jobs in retirement that involve carrying a weapon. Under HR-218, Local 600 members can
join the Legal Protection Plan, which offers access to a lawyer in case of a situation were to arise in
the course of duty. Also, our eyeglasses plan becomes all the more necessary as you age, and since a
lot of cops are having families later in life, some find themselves at age 50 and still have dependent
children who need braces. Access to our dental plan would cover that. d
A message from State Delegate Jim Toma
JIM
TOMA
A message from State Delegate Jim Toma
Since there is no Local 600 meeting in July, August’s meeting is going to be a special one. The Annual Summer Meeting and Cookout is, in fact, more a short meeting
and a long barbecue.
The August 11 event at the Lacey Township Elks in Forked River is also our
southern-most meeting of the year, so for many of the guys who can’t make it to the
regular meetings in Woodbridge, this is an opportunity for our members from South
Jersey to meet other retired members from around the state.
So come hungry for the knowledge you need to know as a retired PBA member…
and come hungry for barbecue.
August 11
Local 600 meeting and cookout
Lacey Township Elks
900 Beach Boulevard, Forked River
Noon
Info: Call the Local 600 Office at 732-636-0299
22
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
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NAPO urges response to CNN comments
CNN has extended its ongoing streak of anti-police
rhetoric and misinformation by calling the violent
attacker at the Dallas Police Department “courageous
and brave.” In mid-June, NAPO sent a letter to the head
of CNN and to major CNN advertisers protesting these
outrageous comments.
NAPO hopes officers and their family and friends
from member organizations can use the letter as a template to write
and send their own. CNN will not change their philosophy about
America’s police, but if their advertisers feel the pinch, perhaps that
can change their behavior.
A sample letter can be found on www.napo.org.
departments to receive permission from individuals
before personal records can be released. The DPPA
states a court may award automatic damages in the
amount of $2,500 each time a record was accessed, as
well as attorney fees and litigation costs.
NAPO proposes modifying the amendment to
explain penalties will only be applied if persons access
information with intent to secure an economic benefit, removing the
automatic penalty and adding a clause stating there must be repeated
disregard of this law for sanctions to take effect. If the language is not
modified, law enforcement officers will be subject to large fines and
the loss of their licenses.
NAPO attends congressional event on Sentencing Reform
NAPO attended an event hosted by the Pew Charitable Trusts on
sentencing and corrections reforms at the state level. Congressmen
Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin) and Bobby Scott (D-Virgina) cohosted the event, which included a keynote address from Gov. Dennis
Daugaard (R-South Dakota). Chief Justice Matthew Durrant of the
Utah Supreme Court, State Senator Gerald Malloy of South Carolina
and General Counsel Jim Steward to the Governor of South Dakota
discussed sentencing reform projects in their states.
NAPO Supports the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act
NAPO representative met with Congressman Joe Courtney’s (DConnecticut) staff to garner support for the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act. This legislation would repeal the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act, which imposes an excise tax of 40
percent on high-cost health insurance plans scheduled to go into
effect in 2018.
This tax applies to plans with premiums at or above $10,200 for an
individual or $27,500 for a family, including worker and employer contributions to flexible spending or healthcare savings accounts.
Higher thresholds are set for workers in high-risk professions, such
as public safety officers ($11,850 for an individual and $30,950 for a
family), but to qualify the majority of members in the healthcare plan
must work in high-risk professions. d
NAPO briefing on Capitol Hill
On June 19, NAPO met with a senior staffer for Congressman Ted
Deutch (D-Florida) to discuss modifications to the Driver’s Privacy
Protection Act (DPPA), which requires state motor vehicle
24
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JULY 2015
R
VOTE FOEL
MICHA K
KANIU
2015 PFRS Trustee Election
‘You want your
guy there’
n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL
Vince Foti came to the NJ State PBA Board of Delegates meeting in
Atlantic City on June 23 to deliver a special message.
Most members know Vince Foti, CPA: longtime municipal leader;
one of the most knowledgeable people in New Jersey in financial matters related to collective bargaining; a chairman of the Police and Fire
Retirement Services (PFRS) Board; consultant and confidant to PBA
leaders for more than 25 years. If you know Vince Foti, when he
speaks…you should listen.
“When salary issues like credible salaries come up before the PFRS
Board, you want your guy there,” he told the delegates packing the
Circus Maximus Theater at Caesar’s on this morning. “Send a message
that you are 30,000-plus members strong and vote Mike Kaniuk to be
PFRS Trustee.”
Balloting in the PFRS Trustee Election continues through July 24.
Kaniuk, the Middlesex County Corrections Officers Local 152 State
Delegate, is the NJ State PBA-endorsed candidate in this election. Voting for him takes about as long as it does to sneeze.
“It took me all of 35 seconds on the phone to vote,” Executive VicePresident Marc Kovar announced at the meeting. “There is no more
important election than this one. Get the ballots out, and if you can’t
get to all your members, find somebody on another shift you trust and
get them to deliver the ballots. If you don’t vote, the only one you will
be hurting is yourself.”
Kaniuk has been traversing the state the past several weeks to
attend Local meetings and talk about his candidacy. His visits reveal
much about why he is the right person to represent law enforcement
on the PFRS Board.
He says he has spent much of the time educating members about
how the PFRS Board works and the importance of the issues presented. He says that with everybody he meets, he listens to their stories
26
NEW JERSEY COPS
n
JULY 2015
about their interest in pension issues and that is making representing
fellow members personal.
And he says he has been delivering his message.
“I have had the opportunity to explain what’s going on, what I’m
about, how long I have been on the job and how long I have been a
PBA guy,” Kaniuk revealed. “I’ve also been able to confirm that that
they can count on me not taking anybody’s stuff; that I’m not
planning on sitting there quietly and that I will not rubber stamp anything.”
Kaniuk added that members are telling him they are voting for him,
and that he has been meeting a lot of new members whom he has
been able to talk with about the severity of the pension situation. His
platform remains true to the core of the membership: He talks about
how he has been around for a long time, seen a lot of “things” relating
to the pension system and how it’s important to get more involved.
Members are seeing the side of Kaniuk who thrives on representing
both rank-and-file members, as well as the needs of supervisors and
all law enforcement officers. That is why he has added the duties of
Local 152 President to serving as State Delegate for the past 18 years
and NJ State PBA Financial Secretary.
“I’m definitely being greeted with open minds,” Kaniuk says of his
meetings with members. “After we talk, they tell me they never
thought about it this way or that way. I’m trying to let them know that
there are only two cops on this board and that it’s important to have
somebody who understands and represents their interests.”
Clearly, this is personal for Kaniuk. You want to know how personal?
A few weeks ago, he was visiting his mother in the hospital where he
met a fellow PBA member. The officer told him he recognized Kaniuk
from all his campaign materials that have been circulating. And he left
Kaniuk with a message.
“He told me he was going to vote for me,” Kaniuk said.
Every other member should do likewise. d
2015 PFRS Trustee Election
Michael Kaniuk, NJ State PBA Candidate for Police
and Fireman’s Retirement System Trustee
Your most important vote must be cast…NOW!
When to Vote
Ballots are out…Voting ends on July 24
How to Vote
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Go to https://vote.election.com/pfrs
Enter your Election Code and Voting PIN from the
ballot you received in the mail
Make your selection: Mike Kaniuk is listed second on
the ballot and hit “submit”
Cast your vote by hitting “vote”
Make sure you receive a confirmation
Why Vote
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The PFRS Trustee Board makes decisions every
month that affect your pension
Members rely on their pensions for the rest of their
lives
PFRS qualifies credible salary and pensionable
salary
PFRS provides for ordinary or accidental disability
pay
PFRS provides a safety net for your family
NJSPBA representation on the PFRS board protects
against abuses and political attacks
A NJSPBA member on the board represents the
needs of all uniformed officers
Mike says he will represent all law enforcement officers…
PFRS is at a crossroads. Our pension faces threats from politicians and underfunding and PBA Members must stand together to defend it. Voting for Mike Kaniuk for PFRS Trustee today will ensure we
have a bold and confident fighter on our pension board that will stand up so that your pension
rights, and not politics, are what comes first.
Not afraid to ask questions or advocate for all officers,
Michael Kaniuk will look out for your pension like it’s his own!
■
JULY 2015
27
Good News
COVER STORY
Year One of the Pat Colligan-Marc Kovar leadership has given
some great stories and great hope to the NJ State PBA
A year of making headlines – a year to the day, in fact, since Pat
Colligan and Marc Kovar accepted leadership of the NJ State PBA –
summited with an unforeseen headliner at the state meeting in
June. State Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto keynoted the PBA confab in Atlantic City with poignant assertions such as, “We give you
credit for holding the people representing you accountable,” and,
“In the new state budget, we are fully funding your pension because
it’s right for the state of New Jersey.”
President Colligan began the meeting by contending that there
was going to be a lot less drama than a year ago when, well, we all
know what happened a year ago. But the truth is, the furor, the fervor
and the dramatic enthusiasm had never been more palpable, at
least not in recent PBA adventures.
RETIRED MEMBERS TAKE THE LEAD ON PAC DONATIONS
PBA a perfect fit for new Salem County Corrections Local
Union-Hudson prison regionalization defeated
Kaniuk will put the ‘trust’ in PFRS Trustee
PBA creates plan to remember wounded officers
Local 187A PERC vote confirms PBA is a superior option
COLLIGAN AND KOVAR EAGER TO TAKE UNION
INTO THE NEXT ERA
Year One of Colligan-Kovar provided so much determination that
members feel, “We’ve been re-energized as an organization” as East
Orange Local 16 State Delegate Elaine Settle commented following
the June state meeting. Appraisals from members and others on the
first anniversary of the Colligan-Kovar era confirmed that all the
work, all the accomplishments and all the sweat has resulted in an
incredibly upwardly mobile position for the state’s largest law
enforcement labor union.
“I think the members were at a breaking point regardless of who
was sitting here because they were so affected by the governor and
so financially impacted,” President Colligan reasons. “They wanted
to see a fight, and as much as they were getting, they wanted even
more. We wanted everybody to know that if we get slapped, we will
slap back. We’re not taking any unfair criticism from the media, the
public and especially the politicians. And I think Marc and I feel very
good that after our first year, the membership knows what direction
we’re heading in.”
Heading into Year Two, a look at the lines that spawned the headlines that made the first year so memorable offers a bridge to a
future that promises to be equally exciting and upwardly mobile. If
not more so.
What a difference a year makes
On June 24, 2014, Pat Colligan was introduced as the new Executive Vice President of the NJ State PBA at a state meeting he had to
pass up because his daughter was graduating from high school that
day. Six days later, when Tony Wieners officially retired, he became
President and named Marc Kovar as his Executive Vice President.
To say, they had a lot to learn, well, here’s how they said it:
“It was like being handed the keys to Macy’s, and all of the sudden
you have to deal with payroll, personnel and budgeting,” Colligan
says. “We were not businessmen. We were two cops from the detective bureau. We had to learn the business real fast. And it was not a
small business.”
Kovar recalls those first days as if they were yesterday.
“Thank God for the office staff here, because everybody in the
office really guided us by the hand,” he explained. “We didn’t even
know how to put the alarm on in the building. Some days, I feel like
we have been here for 10 years, but that first month I’m not sure we
knew what we were doing.”
And, oh by the way…
CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
n
JULY 2015
29
Behind the Headlines
NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan and Executive Vice-President
Marc Kovar surmise the work that led to a momentous Year One of
their leadership:
Legislators praise PBA support on Election Day
The first initiative
President
Colligan
announced
targeted
building, or rebuilding,
relationships with every
senator and assembly rep
in the state legislature. At
the time he and Kovar
didn’t know where this
effort would lead exactly, but a big payoff came with the impact members made on June 2 by staging a big effort to support PBA-centric
candidates who needed help to win their primary elections.
“Pat’s first goal was to meet all the legislators in six months,” Kovar
said. “It wasn’t an easy task.”
Said Colligan: “I wanted to meet them on their home turf. Meeting
them in Trenton is cheating, so we wanted to sit with them in their
hometowns and have a slice of pizza. We had to adjust to a year
because some of the meetings didn’t happen as soon as we had
hoped.”
When nearly 100 members showed up at the PBA office on Primary
Election Day to work the phones, word spread to the point where state
legislators came to Woodbridge to say thanks.
“Now, we have some good relationships,” Kovar added. “If there’s a
bill coming up, we can send texts to people to find out if they are voting
our way. For the general election, I’d like to see a couple hundred
members show up.”
PBA members come to Trenton for a day they will
never forget
Another brainstorm that came up 20 minutes or so after taking
office called for PBA Day at the state legislature on Oct. 16. Colligan
asked Locals to send groups to attend committee meetings and a general assembly meeting after lunch. The idea was for legislators to see
women and men clad in their PBA shirts walking the halls and letting
them know the organization was going to be a presence.
“I didn’t sleep the night before, thinking, ‘What if we had a party and
nobody was going?’” Colligan confided. “I woke up at 3 a.m. and held
my breath all the way on the drive down.”
He stood in front of the State House and finally exhaled.
“Members kept coming up the sidewalk. As the day went on, legislators kept asking me, “What’s going on? When I told them nothing,
they didn’t believe us. Members introduced themselves, and they
made their mark. Legislators knew we were there for the fight. Trenton
Day was a big hump for us.”
Rallying to make a stand against the governor in LBI
The governor announced he was having a “Town Hall” meeting on
the hallowed ground in Long Beach Island where PBA members combined with FMBA and NJEA members to build one of the playgrounds
as part of the “Where Angels Play” movement on July 22. He arrived to
find an alliance of law enforcement officers, firefighters and teachers
gathered for a rally to show the strength of public employees amidst
30
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
his rhetoric.
“That day was a defining moment,” Colligan explained. “I sent a
private letter to the governor’s office, trying to get a meeting to ask him
to postpone his appearance. As time ticked down, I got no response.
Knowing this governor, meeting Pat Colligan was not going change his
position on public employees, so we had to take a stand for what was
right and that we’re not hiding from anything.”
Atlantic City PD merger held off
Atlantic City Local 24 called the NJ State PBA in March asking for
help to thwart an Atlantic County effort to execute a Camden County-type merger of law enforcement officers.
“We jumped on it, went down there with their executive board and
met with the mayor two or three times,” Kovar confirmed. “We were
able to help postpone the merger.”
Unanimous approval for NJSPBA PAC Fund
To bring more bite to the political action the organization had
taken through the first six months of their leadership, Colligan and
Kovar heard that a Political Action
Committee (PAC) Fund would be
the best move. They had been
mulling bringing the concept to
the membership since the annual
convention in September.
“We thought it would be hard sell
because it was a bad time to ask
for money,” Kovar submitted. “But
we know legislators live for
money.”
Added Colligan: “We knew we needed to a way to make campaign
contributions, but taking the money out of general fund was not
smart. The idea morphed over a few months. We had some buy-in, so
we decided to pull the trigger. Shockingly, when we put to it a vote, it
was unanimous.”
PBA a perfect fit for new Salem County
Corrections Local 400
The first PBA Local in Salem County realized it had to vote to leave the
other labor organization in a PERC Election in December after a team
from the state office made a moving presentation.
“We know what we offer, and we knew we offered a better product,”
Colligan explained. “Marc and I drove down there with the whole team
and we cultivated that relationship. We learned that something like
that doesn’t happen overnight.”
Union-Hudson prison regionalization defeated
In April, Union County Freeholders were on the verge of voting to
close the county corrections facility and combine it with operations
in Hudson County.
“Hudson County was spec-ing out eight prisoner vans,” Colligan
recalled. “We left a meeting with a high-ranking elected official, with
him saying the deal was done. But we did what we did in Atlantic City,
getting heavily engaged with the Local talking to Freeholders. Senator
(Ray) Lesniak and (Union County) Sheriff (Joe) Cryan helped us out a
lot, and we derailed that thing.” d
C
t
t
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
“The membership was really scared the first two months,” Kovar
continued. “They didn’t know us and didn’t know what direction the
PBA was going in.”
And, oh by the way, the first two weeks presented two line of duty
deaths and a renowned event bringing together the firefighters and
teachers unions with the PBA to make a stand against the governor.
Within the first two weeks, Colligan and Kovar met with the state
executive board members and chairs of the county conferences, and
told them theirs were not ceremonial positions and that they had to
take action. They told them right then and there that the charge
would be to start dealing with political issues and start cultivating
positive relationships.
“I think people saw the writing on the wall that we couldn’t have
the stance that we deserve this because we’re the cops and that’s
why,” Brick Township Local 230 State Delegate James Burgess said
after the state meeting this past June 23. “What has happened since
then shows a lot of hope and shows progression. It shows we are leaps
and bounds from where we were at this time last year.”
Wieners-Dunn have big impact post-retirement
When President Tony Wieners and Executive Vice President Keith
Dunn announced in June 2014 he was doing likewise, a void was left
in the state PBA the size of the Delaware Water Gap. Wieners had 11
years of executive leadership when he ascended from EVP to president.
“It was tough to replace six years in a lower office, knowing how this
place functions,” Colligan admitted. “But Keith and Tony were always
taking our phone calls and were always happy to help. They still do
and still are.”
Year One for Colligan-Kovar has been filled with phrases like
“better than we were last year” or “doing what we have needed to do.”
But Colligan and Kovar would be the first to declare that no single
achievement of the past year would have been possible without the
relentless effort and groundwork that Wieners and Dunn put forth
and built.
Going the distance and beyond to get the job done
Some points worth noting about the road to the Year One achievements:
Colligan and Kovar tried to go to as many places as possible across
the state to make presentations, have meetings and attend dinners
to support Local events and political actions.
“I have 30,000 miles on my truck to prove it,” Mr. President
revealed.
The days were long, often beginning before 7 a.m. and ending
sometime after midnight.
“The situations naturally presented themselves,” Colligan submitted. “Bad legislation would put us into a mode when you didn’t plan
on spending the entire day reaching out to legislators because of
something rushing through Trenton. Suddenly, your entire day is
changed.”
Make no mistake, though, they have found a way to travel this
road.
“You get a phone call that there was a shooting and your day
changes immediately. Then, there is a dinner or a function at night
and it seems like it does not stop,” Kovar disclosed. “But you got to an
event and meet a member who wants to take a picture with you and
it gives you a burst of energy. You see they are so happy, and it is really
worth it.”
If they ever wonder about the impact on members, consider this
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Local 246 lost Officer Scott R. Thompson, who died suddenly April
10, while working out at the police department gym.
“I was running the detail at the funeral that day, and I turned
around and saw Pat and Mark,” Cronk said. “They made it down
here just for that. That meant so much to me for them to be there
just for a few hours.”
Members get the message and get involved
Communication became the mechanism that gave every action
an affirmative reaction. With the help of a public relations firm the
PBA retained, Colligan and Kovar have been able to spread the viewpoint of law enforcement throughout statewide media.
Colligan showed members of the press he is a great interview,
which enabled the PBA to get its comments out when any major
issues arose. Kovar showed his unique penchant for delivering the
message, which members said they often picked up in the pages of
the PBA’s official magazine.
“We wanted to make sure members would never wonder about
how we are feeling about something,” Colligan said.
And they have gotten through loud and clear.
And this from Settle: “You see when Pat spoke about how the primary election and what it did just being a part of it for that one day
made a difference. If that’s what we need to do to make positive
changes throughout the state, then I think everybody should get on
board and get behind Pat and Marc.”
Their own way of getting the job done
Some of the successes, like PBA Day in Trenton, the initiation of
the PAC fund and the best-ever Collective Bargaining Seminar and
Mini-Convention, were planned. But a lot of it wasn’t drawn up on
a chalk board.
“We didn’t always sit down and say we have to do this,” Colligan
imparted. “It was more our personalities.”
Colligan contends that what members like about Kovar is his
prowess as a negotiator and his straight-ahead demeanor that
warns, “Sorry if you don’t like the answer, but that’s the answer.”
Kovar says that what resonates about Colligan comes from being
quick on his feet and propensity to, “come up with the right idea that
gets members behind him and going in the right direction.”
“As far as leadership is concerned, being an advocate for change
is as powerful as anything Pat and Marc have done,” stated Joe Biamonte, State Delegate for Wood-Ridge Local 313. “I can’t remember
the last time we actually introduced the Speaker at a meeting.”
Lakewood Local 71 State Delegate Steve Kelusak reasons that
members getting behind Colligan and Kovar has a lot to do with
their age. “When you see Pat and Marc, they seem like your older
brothers,” Kelusak said. “You can really make a connection with
those guys.”
Added Burgess: “They have taken a pro-active, aggressive
approach to rebuilding relationships that were gone for reasons
probably beyond our control. I think it was a new look, a fresh look
on things and a different way of doing things we needed.”
Members added that they believe both Colligan and Kovar are
great listeners who take it all in, formulate and answer, and whether
you agree or not, they present an opinion they know is not the beall, end-all.
32
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
“They are the yin and the yang of the State PBA, and I couldn’t
think of a better duo,” Burgess expressed. “You got the wellspeaking, well-thought-out, meticulous Pat Colligan and the pit bull
of Marc Kovar, who is every cop’s cop.”
A year later
If there is an indication of how far the NJ State PBA has come during the past year, it might have come when Colligan was in Atlantic
City in – on one of those rare occasions – no official capacity. Around
11:30 p.m., somebody he did not know came up to Colligan and
asked if he was president of the PBA. When Mr. President asked why,
the man responded, “Because I just wanted to say you are doing a
great job.”
But there is no rest for the wary. The agenda for Year Two includes
getting Locals to improve their participation, get them to be financially secure and re-engage Locals that have not been very active.
Another PBA Day in Trenton is in the works, and Colligan
anticipates double the number of members showing up for this
one.
“Overall, it’s certainly been a good ride,” Colligan added. “We will
keep going because we feel like we’re getting things done.”
The feeling seems to be unanimous on that point.
“They’ve been amazing,” acknowledges James Crilly, State Delegate for Hunterdon County Local 188. “They’re doing great work
with the union, and they’re very proactive. They’re excelling beyond
our wildest beliefs.”
And that’s certainly good news for all NJ State PBA members. d
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Police Directors: No police powers
For Law Enforcement Agencies in New Jersey,
there must be a designation of a chief administrative officer of some nature for the department.
Generally, this comes in the form of a Chief of
Police. However, some municipalities assign this
responsibility to a civilian, usually in the form of
a civilian police director or Public Safety
STUART
Director. In these cases, the director is appointed
ALTERMAN to supervise the administration of the police
force. We have been dealing with these issues and
are about to initiate litigation to overturn a municipal ordinance
providing a Police Director with Ultra Vires authority, or powers
which are prohibited by statute. N.J.S.A. 52:17B-67 specifically
states that municipal governments may not give police powers
to civilian directors, as a police officer is “any employee of a
law enforcement unit… other than the civilian
heads thereof.” No municipality may circumvent
the law by passing local ordinances; such ordinances are voidable.
perform police duties including conducting motor vehicle stops,
engaging in patrol activities, answering calls for service and stopping or detaining individuals. A director may not wear a uniform
or badge or carry a firearm, nor may he or she operate a motor
vehicle which is equipped as a police car, including police band
radios. Likewise, they have no powers of arrest and may not issue
firearms permits.” N.J.S.A. 40A:14-152; N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3.
The daily administrative authority of a director is permissible. Directors have general
authority, which permits them to make certain policy decisions. However, the civilian
police director does not possess any
authority to exercise any police powers
or to perform police duties. State
statutes clearly distinguish between law
enforcement officers and other municipal
employees that may be employed to exercise supervision of the police force. Specific state statutes for the
appointment of regular officers apply here. Any officer
that exercises an actual law enforcement function must
attend, and successfully complete, a basic police training
course approved by the Police Training Commission. N.J.S.A.
52:17b-68. With or without a chief, regular officers exercise certain powers and duties that are reserved to them by statute. The
police directors possess no such authority.
Permitting such an appointment would also
enable the municipality to evade the statutory
requirement that police chiefs be appointed
by promotion from within the department,
as required in In re Police Chief, 266
N.J.Super. 101 (App.Div.1993). In that case,
the village of South Orange appointed a
police captain on leave from another
municipality, to the “unclassified position
of civilian Police Director.” Id. at 103.
When two police unions complained that
the director was performing the duties of a chief, the
Attorney General issued an opinion that he could not do
so and could not receive pension credit for service as police
director. Essentially, the court emphasized that the director
could not be used as a de-facto method of skirting state law.
The state has extensively regulated the appointment of officers
and the exercise of police powers. It is well-settled by state regulation that the particular issue preempts any sort of police
authority being undertaken by a civilian police director. Given
the extensive regulation over the exercise of police authority and
the performance of police duties, and the need for uniformity
among the state’s multitude of law enforcement agencies, the
state leaves only certain administrative power to a police
director. Administration of the department proceeds as it would
under a chief for policy-making purposes. However, the director
cannot perform arrests, carry a duty weapon, question suspects
or engage in other law-enforcement activities such as directing
investigations, reviewing reports or conducting internal affairs
investigations.
In fact, there is a specific statutory prohibition on a police
director’s exercising police powers: “A civilian director may not
Given the above issues, it is important to note that the case of
Jordan v. Harvey, 381 N.J.Super. 112 (App. Div. 2005) speaks on the
issue. That is, police directors have no actual law enforcement
authority, nor do they qualify as law enforcement officers. The
Appellate Division has held that municipalities are preempted
by state law from conferring law enforcement powers on a civilian police director. The court affirmed the court’s Law Division
ruling that the city could not accord law enforcement powers
to an employee without specific statutory authority permitting a civilian police director to engage directly
in law enforcement activity. Id. at 116.
Furthermore, the Police and Fireman's Retirement System
(PFRS) Statute does not permit a person appointed to be a police
or fire director to enroll to the PFRS if the person was not already
enrolled in the pension system. Kossup v. Bd. of Trustees, Police &
Fireman's Ret. Sys., 372 N.J. Super. 468 (App. Div. 2004) [Citing
N.J.S.A. 43:16A–1(2)(b); N.J.S.A. 43:16A13.1; and N.J.S.A.
43:16A115.3].
Additionally, the chief is responsible for the integrity to maintain an Internal Affairs Office, along with the Internal Affairs files.
The Attorney General’s office has opined over the past several
years that the contents of Internal Affairs file represent confidential material. As such, all Internal Affairs files should not be
released to non-law enforcement entities or individuals absent
a court order. This includes a police or public safety director or
administrator. The Attorney General, through the Division of
Criminal Justice, has issued guidelines governing Internal Affairs
investigations, entitled “Internal Affairs Policies and Procedures.”
They provide for all police agencies with uniform procedures for
the receipt, investigation and disposition of complaints against
■
JULY 2015
35
officers. Every police agency is required to implement such guidelines pursuant to state statute N.J.S.A. 40A:14-181.
Under the guidelines, documents generated during the course
of an Internal Affairs investigation are considered confidential.
These documents, which may include, but are not limited to,
investigative reports, transcripts of statements and copies of documentary evidence in state and federal criminal history record
information can be referred to as “raw” investigative information.
Because of the nature of this information and the sources of
which it may be obtained, the need to maintain its confidentiality
is crucial to the integrity of the Internal Affairs process. The dissemination of this information to a non-law enforcement entities
or individuals could discourage citizens from coming forward
with complaints and/or compromise an investigation. Essentially,
civilians are to have nothing to do with Internal Affairs investigations.
Furthermore, civilian directors do not have authority beyond
an ordinary citizen to review general police reports. They cannot
access “criminal investigative reports, nor may he or she have
access to criminal history information. Likewise, such individuals
must refrain, unless specifically directed by the County
Prosecutor, from directing the investigation of criminal activity.”
Opinion Letter from Deputy Attorney General O’Grady to Chief
Robert DeLitta, Nutley Police Department, September 5, 1997.
In addition, when a director serves in an agency that also has a
chief, the powers are separated. N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, known commonly as the “Police Chief’s Bill of Rights,” reserves to chiefs the
sole right to administer and enforce rules and regulations and
36
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
special emergency directives for the disposition and discipline of
the force, exercise the functions, powers and duties of the force
and set the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other
personnel. Directors cannot infringe on areas traditionally under
the authority of the chief. In one decision, the director of police
and fire infringed upon thepolice chief's responsibilities when the
director appointed a lieutenant to be acting chief of police for
period of four days while the chief was on vacation. Gauntt v.
Mayor and Council of City of Bridgeton, 194 N.J.Super. 468
(A.D.1984). Furthermore, in a case in which provisions of a borough ordinance (which established the office of Director of Police)
were in direct conflict with a law, such provisions were impliedly
repealed, as they attempted to interfere with the “line of
authority” from police chief to governing body, and attempted to
rob the chief of powers granted by statute. Quaglietta v. Borough
of Haledon, 182 N.J.Super. 136 (L.1981).
The conclusions of the court cases and laws are clear: Public
Safety Directors and Police Directors have authority as administrators, but have no actual law enforcement powers, and cannot
act as police officers. Any exercise contrary to this notion lies
against the decisions of the New Jersey Courts, and is an improper
exercise of authority. d
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officer, a county corrections officer and a municipal prosecutor and has
represented police officers for nearly 23 years in all areas of
employment issues, including union issues, worker’s compensation,
wage and hour, personal injury, criminal, and family law.
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Before 42 high school seniors could kick off their last summer
prior to entering college, they had one more job left to do. On June
23, children of PBA members trekked down to Atlantic City to be
honored at the 2015 scholarship award ceremony during the state
meeting.
Each year, the NJ State PBA awards 20 boys and 20 girls with
$1,000 scholarships for their academic achievements in high school.
More than 300 applicants apply for the scholarship that is based on
their SAT scores, GPA, class rank (if one exists) and a written essay.
At the ceremony, NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan introduced
PBA Scholarship Committee Chairman and Third Vice-President
Jerry Tolomeo, but not before letting all those in attendance know
the extensive work that goes into selecting the scholarship
recipients.
“The scholarship committee is a massive undertaking,” described
Colligan. “The amount of applications they have to go through and
pick out the best of the best is not an easy task.”
Tolomeo, who has served on the committee for 13 years, doesn’t
see the selection process as a burden, but rather a way to give back
to PBA members.
“It’s good for our members and it’s another benefit of being part
of the New Jersey State PBA,” claimed Tolomeo. “And to give back to
the kids that deserve to be recognized is something we continue to
do.”
Tolomeo stood at the podium and read off the list of names one
by one. The winners crossed the stage and shook hands with Colligan and Executive Vice-President Marc Kovar before posing for pictures and receiving their academic accolade as their proud parents
looked on.
Former NJ State PBA President Mike Madonna introduced two
individuals – Ashley Ventura and Thomas Kiesel – who received
“Special Scholarships” in the amount of $2,000, which are awarded
to scholars who have overcome special circumstances. These scholarships are funded through the Mike Madonna Survivor and Welfare
Fund.
Jackson Township Local 168 has continued to show support for
Ventura and her family after Robert Ventura, an officer with the
department, died in an on-duty motor vehicle crash in March 2001.
Point Pleasant Beach Local 106 was proud to award Thomas Kiesel,
a childhood cancer survivor.
“The recipients really are best in class, so congratulations to all of
them,” closed Colligan. d
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND THE LOCALS THEY
REPRESENTED INCLUDE:
Girls:
Gabrielle Aversa, Oakland 164; Diana Battaglia, Wood-Ridge 313;
Alexis Bell, Plainsboro 319; Kacey Campbell, Clifton 36; Samantha
Doyle, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department 314; Kelli Finnegan,
Lakewood 71; Ashley Griffith, Saddle River 348; Victoria Havekost,
Bergen County 102; Caitlyn Kelaher, Bergen County Prosecutor’s
Office 221; Kaeli Lange, Rockaway Borough 268; Amanda Merten,
Union County Sherriff’s Office 108; Megan Nevins, Bayonne 7; Lauren
Piccolini, Freehold Township 209; Madison Polkowitz, Edison Township 357; Morgan Shick, Atlantic City 24; Andrea Sylvester, Kearny 21;
Jillian Wall, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office 265; Lindsay Werner,
Bernards Township 357; Kristen Wheeler, Edison Township 75;
Sabrina White, Keansburg 68.
Boys:
Daniel Adomilli, Teaneck 215; Matthew Canale, Mainland 77;
Anthony Brando, Bergen County 102; Joseph Cole, Aberdeen 163;
Michael Crowley Jr., Teaneck 215; Nicholas Davis, Parsippany-Troy
Hills 131; Edward Dehais, Passaic City 14; Darian Francisco, Middlesex
County Corrections 152; Thomas Gibbons, Federal Agents 121;
Michael Hoeschele, Cherry Hill 176; Neil Hoogmoed, Passaic City 14;
Kevin Keeley, Totowa 80; Joshua Kelly, Elizabeth 4; Nicholas Lanier, Jr.,
Middlesex County Corrections 152; Colin Leith, Burlington County
Corrections 249; Brian Loizzi, Rutherford 300; Michael Niewinski, Elizabeth 4; Brett Temple, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office 214; Erik
Vanderberg, Atlantic City 24; Sean Yeats, Mainland 77.
Special Scholarships:
Ashley Ventura, Jackson Township 168; Thomas Kiesel, Point Pleasant
Beach 106.
n
JULY 2015
39
for Peers
Burkert’s legacy inspires Pellegrino to take over as Peer Liaison Committee Chair
Taking over as chair of the highly-intense, always-on-the-job, lifesaving NJ State PBA Peer Liaison Committee compelled Mike Pellegrino to draw a prodigious conclusion about the endeavor:
“I’ll never be Kenny Burkert,” conceded Pellegrino, who assumed
leadership of the omnipresent Peer Liaison Committee in June
when Burkert concluded his illustrious career as a corrections
officer, NJ State PBA leader and relentless driver of the peer group
effort that has helped so many members dealing with issues that
lead to addiction, troubles at home, troubles on the job…and worse.
“What Kenny has done has been
pure greatness in what the organization
has needed to help members deal
with everything that is going on.
I will try to emulate Kenny as much
as possible, and I just hope to do
half the job he has done.”
MIKE PELLEGRINO
Ken Burkert, left, and Mike Pellegrino
In addition to training many members in the Question-PersuadeRefer (QPR) method that teaches recognizing the signs of addiction,
trouble at home…and worse, the Peer Liaison Committee has
worked hard to reduce the stigma that admitting needing help is a
show of weakness for officers. That’s a mindset, Burkert says, that
leads to saving a lot of marriages, jobs and lives.
“What Kenny has done has been pure greatness in what the
organization has needed to help members deal with everything that
is going on. I will try to emulate Kenny as much as possible, and I
just hope to do half the job he has done.”
He adds that he is proud of the passion he brought to peer assistance, and he believes Pellegrino brings the same intensity. Burkert
and Pellegrino have built a close professional friendship through
serving as NJ State PBA 6th and 7th Vice President, respectively, as
well as an even closer personal friendship.
Burkert hesitates to call this phase of his life “retirement.” It’s hard
to dial it down when you have been giving up days off and vacations
the past seven years to tend to members in need.
Burkert sees some key qualities and skill sets in Pellegrino that will
help him to continue the Peer Liaison mission.
He will still be a member of the Peer Liaison Committee representing Local 600 and helping out with suicide prevention. He will
still be the most knowledgeable law enforcement person in New Jersey, perhaps even the country, when it comes to Peer Assistance
Response Training.
“Peer Liaison is the most rewarding endeavor I have ever been
involved with,” notes Burkert. “We’ve put in many years working
together with Dr. (Eugene) Stefanelli, Cherie (Castellano) and Dr.
(Michael) Bizzarro to get the committee where it is right now, having
trained thousands of members. I look at it as a start that should
never be finished.”
Dr. Stefanelli describes Burkert as a seasoned clinician without
the formal training. Any members that have felt his presence
walking into a training room or up to the podium to address members at a PBA Convention know that what Burkert has put in to the
Peer Assistance Committee is why former NJ State PBA President
Tony Wieners picked him to be its first leader.
“The program’s success, and my own success, would not have
happened if Kenny wasn’t part of it,” Dr. Stef continued. “We have
been able to save a lot of lives via Kenny and the committee.”
42
NEW JERSEY COPS
n
JULY 2015
“He has a personality that makes him very approachable,”
Burkert said of Pellegrino. “He’s a very caring individual who will be
able to bring the passion to the program.”
Adds Dr. Stef: “It’s about caring. If you care, you will do the job well
and take it to the next level. And Mike definitely cares. Mike is also a
bit of an organizer, and I believe that organizational skill will bring
new things to this program.”
When Burkert and Stefanelli discussed candidates to take over
the committee with NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan and Executive Vice-President Marc Kovar, they each kept coming back to Pellegrino as the choice. His passion results from first-hand experience
seeing how peer assistance can make a difference, and what happened when a friend and fellow Ewing Township Local 111 member
didn’t get the help and took his own life.
“I know the phone calls will come in the middle of the night, but
that’s why I think I can help lead this effort,” explained Pellegrino.
“There are a wealth of people to help point me in the right direction,
and whether it be getting people into rehabs or helping to save a job
or save a marriage, I want to make sure they all know they are as
important as any one of us. I’m looking forward to being part of the
solution.” d
Passing the torch
Princeton Local 130 Member Detective
Adam Basatemur and his daughter Ella
before the 2015 Law Enforcement Torch
Run for Special Olympics.
Torch Run State Committee Member Sergeant MaryLou Tarr of the West Windsor Police Department carries
the Torch to start the 2015 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games at The College of New Jersey.
PBA members describe the experience of participating in the Law Enforcement
Torch Run as it kicks off the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games
To hear the roar coming out of the stadium at The College of New
Jersey in Ewing projected by 2,500 talented athletes on the field,
while family and friends cheer from the bleachers as law enforcement officers make their way in passing the ceremonial torch to
light the cauldron – the official start to the Special Olympics New
Jersey Summer Games – is a surreal experience.
Exhilarating. Gratifying. Humbling. The words keep pouring out
of Princeton Local 130 member Adam Basatemur, as he described
the awe-inspiring experience of walking into the buzzing stadium
for the first time on June 12 – a moment he has looked forward to for
more than a decade of participating in the Torch Run.
“To see all the Special Olympics athletes lined up at the main
entrance in their team colors, clapping, cheering and waving was
heartwarming,” emoted Basatemur. “I’m high-fiving all the athletes
and their faces just light up.”
This is but one description highlighting why the New Jersey State
PBA and more than 3,000 officers continue to show up and support
Special Olympics NJ through the annual Law Enforcement Torch
Run. PBA members work together throughout the year to fundraise
for the worthy cause, before lacing up their running shoes to cover
26 legs and 750 miles across the state that culminates in that final
jog to kick off the games.
Those lucky few who took the victory lap into the stadium were
rewarded with the experience that Basatemur described, along with
the knowledge that they helped make the Special Olympics a possibility for thousands of athletes ranging from two- to 65-years-old.
One of those athletes was Bastemur’s 12-year-old daughter Ella,
who competed in the Special Olympics for the first time this year.
Excited to watch Ella swim that weekend, Basatemur went the
extra mile to make the occasion special for her. Instead of running
with his Local (whose leg doesn’t culminate at the stadium) as he
has done every other year, he called Hopewell Local 342 and asked
to run with them.
44
NEW JERSEY COPS
n
JULY 2015
“I wanted to run it with Hopewell and Ewing so my family and
daughter could see me running through (the stadium). I thought it
would be neat,” explained Basatemur.
Ella, clad in a lime-green t-shirt grouped with her swim team, was
indeed ecstatic to see her dad run in her honor.
“I did it for one reason, for my daughter. I wanted to make her
proud,” noted Basatemur. “It was a real big deal for her to see me
and her teammates thought it was the coolest thing in the world.”
As the torch completed its journey from the far corners of the
state, it ended up in the hands of Sergeant MaryLou Tarr of the West
Windsor Police Department, before passing it to a Special Olympian
who climactically ignited the cauldron in the center of the stadium.
“I’ve carried the torch on the run a couple times and that was an
awesome experience. But to hand it off to the athletes, light the cauldron and start the games, it was beyond words,” described Tarr of
the top honor bestowed upon a law enforcement officer during the
Torch Run. “I couldn’t hear a word anybody said. The audience was
screaming. It was crazy.”
Tarr, who sits on the Torch Run State Committee, first became
affiliated with the annual event in 1995 when she joined the West
Windsor Police Department.
“Once you’re involved you want to keep coming back,” emphasized Tarr. “You see what you’re doing for these athletes and it’s a
good feeling.”
As for Basatemur, he has hopes he’ll get to pass off the torch next
year.
“I carried the banner in this year, but the torch symbolizes the
opening ceremony. It’s going to be a proud moment for me when I
get to do that,” predicted Basatemur. “I just wish the day could have
lasted longer.” d
PBA Locals in the 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run
for Special Olympics
East Rutherford Local 275
Bridgewater Township Local 174
Central Bergen County Local 86
Ewing Township Local 111 and Hopewell Local 342
Fort Lee Local 245
Keyport Local 223
HIllsdale Local 207
Long Beach Township Local 373
■
JULY 2015
45
PBA Locals in the 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run
for Special Olympics
Millburn Local 34
Mahwah Local 143
Netcong PD
Old Bridge Township Local 127
Roxbury Township Local 311
Shrewsbury Local 308
Sussex County Corrections Local 378
Union County Police Local 73
46
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
West Windsor Township Local 271
Upper Saddle River Local 218
Bernards Township Local 357
Scenes from the Torch Runs
H
■
JULY 2015
47
Mercer County Sheriff’s Office sniffs out missing person
JOB WELL DONE
Let’s get to work.
Let’s go find him.
Let’s go buddy.
Mercer County Sheriff’s Officers Local 187 Member David
Smithson whispers these words to his partner, K-9 Officer Maverick,
before the duo tracks a missing person.
On June 11, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Trenton
Police Department requesting the assistance of its K-9 unit to help
locate an 82-year-old man with dementia who went missing from his
home earlier that morning.
With the help of Maverick, a bloodhound, Smithson was able to
track down the subject’s scent over 2,000 feet, across Route 29, over
guardrails, through heavy brush and along the steep riverbank, where
the man had been sitting in chest-high water in the Delaware River for
several hours.
The quick and successful search-and-rescue would not have been
possible without the Sheriff’s Office’s K-9 unit, which was established
in 1993.
“The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit serves as an added
component of law enforcement to assist local towns and municipalities on a moment’s notice,” said Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler,
a former K-9 handler.
The Sheriff’s Office serves 15 municipalities and its K-9 unit
averages more than 150 calls per year. Smithson partnered with the
three-and-a-half-year-old Maverick in 2013 after graduating from the
New Jersey Department of Corrections Bloodhound Class.
Maverick successfully led Smithson to the subject’s location, but
that would not have been possible without precise execution leading
up to the tracking.
Smithson – off-duty when the call came in – hurried home to pick
up his car and his partner before heading to the missing person’s last
known location, his residence.
There, as is procedure, Smithson completes a pre-track analysis of
the situation to understand the missing person’s physical stature,
mental state and routine activity in the area. The officer then secures
an uncontaminated scent article.
“I collect it myself,” said Smithson, in this instance collecting a pillowcase. “I put it in a zip lock bag and take the scent article to the last
known location of the subject.”
Smithson retrieves Maverick from the car, straps on his harness and
whispers those magic words, because as he explained, “It gets him
excited.”
The officer then pulls the zip lock bag over the bloodhound’s nostrils, telling him to “check-it” while letting the K-9 take a good whiff
before he shakes his way out of it. The bloodhound is biologically
engineered for tracking, as he has four billion olfactory receptor cells
compared to a human’s five million.
“The dog is tracking dead skin cells, skin rafts,” described Smithson.
“The dog is following, detecting and sniffing. Picture you walking
holding baby powder and squeezing it continuously. Those particles
are the best representative of what skin rafts look like coming off of
us.”
Maverick detects those skin rafts and makes a beeline toward Route
29.
“I thought it was quick, so I held him up,” explained Smithson. “We
circled the front of the yard, crossed the street and checked the opposite side of sidewalk before crossing back over to the house and he
began tracking in the first direction.”
Smithson followed the dog’s instinct, illustrating their strong bond.
“I was told it takes about two years to bond with the dog, read the
dog and for the dog to read and work with you. I found that to be true,”
48
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
Mercer County Sheriff’s Officers Local 187 Member David Smithson and his
K-9 partner, Maverick.
said Smithson. “Being able to read my dog – his behavioral changes,
intensity, knowing what he’s going to do at an intersection, how he will
react in different environments – that took a couple years to learn.”
The Trenton Police Department assisted Smithson’s efforts, and
blocked two lanes of traffic northbound, then southbound, on Route
29, letting Maverick follow his nose.
Maverick’s behavior changed at the southbound side’s guardrails.
The dog bracketing from left to right wasn’t quite sure how to get over
the guardrail to the thick brush leading to the Delaware River. At that
point, Maverick’s job is finished.
Ewing Police Sergeant Jeff Jacobs and Trenton Police Lieutenant
Kenneth Zahn were on the scene and called for fire rescue before following Smithson and repelling down the overgrown path to the river.
Smithson spotted the missing person sitting in the water and
jumped in. Zahn and Jacobs followed.
“I just reacted the way I was trained to react and hope any officer
would react,” admitted Smithson. “We’re not given the luxury of time
to think every scenario through.”
The three first responders worked together to pull the 200-poundplus man out of the water and up the now slippery and muddy path.
“We worked step-by-step taking turns holding him and making
sure we didn’t slip,” noted Smithson. Other officers arrived on scene
by this time and helped pull the climbing rope to ensure the safety of
all four men. “We worked together and slowly did it.”
The elderly man suffered from hypothermia and was taken by EMS
to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. He was later released to his
family.
“I do this because I love this and I would want someone to do it for
my family and friends,” said Smithson. “I try to make my town and
community a safer place.”
Maverick was greatly rewarded for his efforts. “High praise and liverwurst,” joked Smithson of the dog’s favorite treat. d
p
Morris County Corrections Local 298 needs help now
Earlier this year, Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement with members of Morris
County Corrections Officers Local 298 that rewarded the members
with $600,000 in long-overdue raises and would save the county
$600,000.
For facilitating one of those rare win-win deals that benefits both
the officers and the county, Sheriff Ed Rochford received notice from
the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders that they were
taking over running the jail. In their June meeting, the Freeholders
passed a resolution to take away management of the Morris County
Correctional Facility away from Rochford.
To battle what Local 298 has termed an “unethical and illogical
decision,” Morris County Corrections Officers have initiated a petition to appeal to the Freeholders to reconsider their decision. The
petition can be accessed through the Facebook link noted on this
page.
In a few short days, nearly 1,500 people have signed the petition.
Each time a signature is added, electronic notice is sent to the
director of the Freeholders Board.
Local 298 State Delegate Rodney Furby is sending requests
throughout the NJ State PBA membership to sign the petition.
“We want to keep politics out of law enforcement, and the sheriff
has always done a great job of that,” Furby said. “We want honor our
badge and stay under the title we have now.”
According to information posted on the Morris County Sheriff’s
Department Facebook page, no public announcement of the resolution being on the agenda for the Freeholders meeting was ever
made. Sheriff Rochford was notified but was not able to attend due
to being out of town, and asked the Freeholders to reschedule the
50
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
SIGN HERE!
Morris County Corrections Local 298 has started a petition
to save their jail
Go to: www.facebook.com/MorrisCountySheriffsOffice
And sign the petition to keep the jail under
the sheriff’s jurisdiction
meeting on three occasions. Because the sheriff was not present, at
least one Freeholder asked for the meeting to be rescheduled, and
when it was not, he recused himself from voting.
Morris County Corrections has experienced a sharp increase in
overtime the past few years, which occurred, Furby said, because the
county could not maintain competitive salaries. “Officers were coming to us to get trained, then departing for better-paying jobs,” he
added.
Since 2012, the jail has reportedly lost 39 percent of new officers
within their first two years. This equates to close to $800,000 in training costs of replacement officers and close to the same amount for
overtime to fill the void of the departing officers during the lapse of
time required to get a new officer approved, through the academy
and up and running.
“When the sheriff agreed to a new contract that saved the
county a lot of money, the Freeholders got mad and said they are
taking over,” Furby said. “They say it won’t affect officers, but having to negotiate with freeholders directly will not be a good thing
for us.” d
Union Township Local 69 Member Michael Boll introduces Operation
Rebound at the State PBA Meeting in Atlantic City.
Operation Rebound
On right, Operation Rebound athlete Brandon Holiday poses alongside his
service K-9, Dyson.
NJ State PBA helps wounded first responder athletes get back in the game
Laying in his hospital bed in 2006, Brandon Holiday contemplated
the prospects of life following the amputation of his leg.
While serving in his fifth year as a law enforcement officer in Maryland in 1998, Maplewood-native Holiday was injured making an
arrest of two people who had committed a rape. The injury exacerbated a Lupus-related autoimmune disease that caused severe blood
clots and 10 heart attacks, landing Holiday in and out of the hospital,
sometimes for months on end. Nearly eight years after the on-duty
incident, Holiday was left with one leg and even fewer positive
thoughts.
“I felt frustration and depression,” he admitted. “From that point I
wondered what could I do? What job can I have? At the time, there
were not a lot of resources out there for someone to turn to or to talk
to. It took that time for me to figure out what I could go back to.”
The ever-athletic Holiday put his focus into healing with the drive
to compete. Today, with a shelf full of medals denoting his progress,
he is on the verge of representing the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team in
sprint kayaking.
Behind him every step of the way is the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s (CAF) “Operation Rebound” program, the premier sports and
fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first
responders with physical challenges. The program provides unparalleled opportunities to pursue active, athletic lifestyles by offering
access to funding for equipment, training and competition expenses.
Holiday, who never goes anywhere without his physically and emotionally supportive service K-9, Dyson, addressed members at the
June NJ State PBA Meeting in Atlantic City to introduce Operation
Rebound alongside Union Township Local 69 former State Delegate
Michael Boll.
“Operation Rebound is a nonprofit organization that is fully committed to supporting our physically and mentally disabled veterans
and first responders,” asserted Boll, also a member of the New Jersey
CAF Operation Rebound Racing Team that includes about 20 disabled
cops, firefighters and combat veterans, and is supported by a team of
first responders and other combat veterans. “Our team is comprised
of members that suffer from PTSD, debilitating amputations and
paralysis. However, it should be noted that a majority of these members are competitive, elite-level athletes competing to qualify for
national and world competitions in their sports. Our team was
52
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
For more information about Operation Rebound NJ, contact
Sergeant Mike Boll at 973-332-1556 or mboll@uniontownship.com.
To make a donation, go to
www.operationrebound.kintera.org/teamornj
created to help our members to get back into physical and mental
shape and to watch them achieve amazing goals.”
But to help their members, Operation Rebound needs some help
of its own.
“To make this New Jersey team a success, Operation Rebound
members need to be able to train and have the proper equipment
required to compete in these vigorous events,” Boll emphasized. “Our
team’s goal is to provide all of New Jersey’s disabled first responders
and veterans full support in training and participation in our events.
Our team will continue to grow, and with financial support we will be
able to help motivate new athletes to join us and compete along our
inspirational team members.”
The cost of equipment and training, of course, is astronomical. In
that vein, Operation Rebound hopes to be fully backed by all law
enforcement and fire organizations in New Jersey.
“We have support from the Union County Conference, the NJ State
FMBA, the NJ Devils, and we’re in contact with other professional
sports teams and athletes,” Boll announced. “If we get $100 per Local
every year, we’re looking at $40,000 a year. And that can go a long way
to help us.”
Boll added that in addition to the fundraising, there are other ways
Locals can get involved:
“It’s about getting participation from the Locals,” he said. “They say
‘hey I have a guy with PTSD, can you help him get back on his feet?’
People lose their leg and mentally they’re not doing well. Guys like
Brandon are here to help other disabled athletes in a way that only
they can.” d
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New Jersey State PBA President
Pat Colligan (left) and Local 357
State Delegate and State PBA 5th
Vice-President Hank Werner each
threw out the ceremonial first
pitch at the Somerset Patriots
“New Jersey State PBA Appreciation Night” on June 26.
New Jersey State PBA Appreciation
Night at the ballpark is a grand slam
On June 26, PBA members from around the state headed to the
Somerset Patriots Stadium for a night of law enforcement appreciation.
“It’s been a tough year or two in New Jersey to be a police officer,”
noted Local 357 State Delegate and State PBA 5th Vice-President
Hank Werner. “When a prestigious organization like the Somerset
Patriots gives you a call and says they want to honor you, it’s a humbling and great experience.”
A pregame ceremony included an appearance by the Somerset
County Pipe and Drum Band and Honor Guards from Bridgewater
Township Local 174, Hamilton Township Local 66 and Bloomfield
Local 32 performed the National Anthem.
Werner and State PBA President Pat Colligan each threw out the
first pitch before the Patriots took on the Southern Maryland Blue
Crabs.
“It was an honor to do it; it’s not an opportunity everybody gets to
do,” added Werner. “And to throw out the first-pitch with Pat
Colligan was awesome.”
Somerville Local 147 State Delegate Vittorio Spadea brought his
seven-year-old nephew, Tommy Pearson, to the ballpark for his first
baseball game.
“Tommy was getting into it doing the Somerset Patriots’ cheer
and he was so excited to meet the mascots, Sparkee and Slider,”
announced Spadea. “Toward the end of the game we caught a foul
Somerville Local 147 State Delegate Vittorio Spadea (second from
right) holds his nephew, Tommy Pearson, along with family members
at the Somerset Patriots Stadium.
ball, we got pictures and the mascots signed the ball for him too. It
was a great family day.”
The Patriots ended the storybook night with a walk-off single to
win the game.
All proceeds from ticket sales purchased by PBA members went
to the Survivor and Welfare Fund.d
■
JULY 2015
55
Bernards Township fundraises for
Hydrocephalus Association
Bernards Township Local 357 hosted its 10th Annual Wine and
Spirit Tasting on March 20 and made the resulting check presentation at the 18th Annual Golf Outing in Basking Ridge on June 8.
This year’s proceeds went to the Hydrocephalus Association after
the Local learned that 17-year-old resident Molly Perdek suffers
from the condition Hydrocephalus, which is a build-up of fluid in
the brain.
Raymond Moser, a board member on the Hydrocephalus Association, lives in South Jersey and made the trip to accept the donation on behalf of the Association in Perdek’s honor.
The March tasting event, held at the Dolce Hotel in Basking Ridge,
featured 24 vendors pouring more than 100 different wines, spirits
and malt beverages. Several local businesses made donations for
raffles and door prizes while community members and officers
from other Locals including Bernardsville Local 365, Raritan Local
82, Bridgewater Township Local 174, Branchburg Local 397 and
Franklin Township Local 154 purchased $60 tickets to benefit the
Hydrocephalus Association.
“Molly’s family was so overwhelmed and thankful,” exclaimed
Bernards Local 357 Member Tracy Baldassare, the event’s chairperson. “They couldn’t say enough about how wonderful it made them
feel to help her and other families that would benefit from this as
well.”
The Wine and Spirit Tasting was followed by the Local’s annual
golf outing a few months later, and the Perdek family was in atten-
56
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
Local 357 State Delegate and New Jersey State PBA 5th Vice-President Hank Werner (left) and Local 357 President Ray Gizienski at the
Local’s March 20 Wine Tasting Fundraiser.
dance. After 123 golfers finished the course, they sat down for dinner
and State PBA Vice-President Marc Kovar said a few encouraging
words to the Local.
“Getting support from the executive leadership in the State PBA
was nice,” added Local 357 President Ray Gizienski. “To have (Kovar)
come out and give his support gives us that push. It was pretty gratifying to know we’re doing well as a Local.” d
r
g
A
Bridgewater members
hit the pavement for a
child with cancer
From left, Bridgewater Township Officer Steven Black, Dispatchers
Evan Holtz and Brianna Retsis, Gianna Torgrimsen, her mother
Corrina Torgrimsen and Officer Joe Bones.
Bridgewater Township Local 174 members participated in a 5K
Charity Run/Walk in Clark on June 7 to benefit Gianna Torgrimsen,
a two-year-old Bridgewater/Martinsville resident battling Leukemia.
Officer Steven Black, Officer Joseph Bones, and Dispatchers Evan
Holt and Brianna Retsis participated in the event as “Team Bridgewater,” raising more than $3,000 to help cover her medical expenses.
Local 174 was Team Bridgewater’s top sponsor, donating $1,000 to
help support Gianna in her fight.
Gianna was diagnosed earlier this year with Leukemia and Local
174 members have shown continuous support for the local resident.
“One of our dispatchers, Brianna, found out about this young girl
and brought it up to the PBA,” explained Bridgewater Local 174
Detective Cliff Delaney. “So we got together and purchased a truckload of toys for her.”
Delaney and members of Local 174 surprised Gianna at Morristown Medical Center’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital on March 20
bringing some of her favorite toys after she finished a round of
chemotherapy.
“It was bittersweet; nobody likes to see anyone in the hospital particularly a young child,” noted Delaney. “She was very happy, tired
though, she had just been diagnosed. But you could tell it really
meant a lot to her.”
The officers even brought a few presents for her older brother,
Dylan, who turned seven that day.
Throughout the past few months the Local has worked together
to form a support system for the Torgrimsen family through car
washes, blood drives and the purchase of bracelets in Gianna’s
honor, which can be seen in patrol cars. A few officers even strapped
the bright orange bracelets to their bikes during the Police Unity Tour
to Washington D.C. for Police Week this past May.
“I don’t think (the family) understood that police officers would
take their own time to visit people like Gianna in the hospital and
didn’t know what the PBA was,” added Delaney. “We’re not giving up
at all; when she’s done, we’re done. When she beats this cancer, we’ll
turn our attention to someone else.” d
■
JULY 2015
57
Matawan officers construct wheelchair
ramp for local resident
On April 21, members of Matawan Local
179 volunteered their time and constructed
a wheelchair ramp for a local resident.
Chief Jason Gallo saw a family in town
with a child who is wheelchair bound being
carried up the stairs into their home and
asked his officers to help.
“We’re a small town and we try to help as
much as possible in any way possible,” said
Local 179 State Delegate Eric Budelmann.
Matawan Local 179 Members Andrew
Marsala, Matt O'Boyle, Jay Borsari, Brian
Murphy and Eric Andersen, along with
Matawan Sergeant Christopher Stark, spent
the day building, installing and attaching a
new ramp to their home. “The family was very grateful,” added
Budelmann. “It’s always been a challenge
for them and they were thrilled.”
Sean Moran, manager of Dykes Lumber
in Aberdeen, donated the wood for construction.
The Matawan Police Department also
conducted its first uniform inspection on
June 8. The officers assembled and were
58
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
Local 179 members construct a wheelchair
ramp for a member of their community.
inspected by Chief Gallo and their respective sergeants.
“It was nice to see everybody in their formal uniforms showing some pride in our
department,” noted Budelmann. d
Matawan officers stand in attention for
the department’s first uniform inspection.
Fair Lawn facilitates
future officer’s
education
On June 10, Fair Lawn Captain Robert Kneer and Local 67 President David Boone awarded Adam Collura with a $1,000 scholarship
from the Officer Mary Ann Collura Memorial Scholarship Foundation at Waldwick High School.
The Foundation was established after Officer Mary Ann Collura
was killed in the line of duty on April 17, 2003. Collura was beloved
in town and the department after serving the community as a fulltime officer for 18 years. Collura has a street, a rifle range and a post
office – among other locations – named after her.
Adam is Mary Ann’s nephew and plans to follow in his aunt’s footsteps, studying Criminal Justice in college with the intention to
become a police officer.
“Mary Ann loved and encouraged young people, including some
who are officers now. So this is the perfect way to remember and
honor her,” said Boone. “Her nephew is going to be studying to be a
police officer. He is very passionate about this calling, just as she
was.”
Boone and Mary Ann’s mother, Helen, started the foundation that
has since awarded $76,000 in scholarships. d
From left, Fair Lawn Captain Robert Kneer, Scholarship recipient
Adam Collura and Local 67 President David Boone at the award
presentation.
■
JULY 2015
59
Jackson bids adieu to retiring captain
Jackson Local 168 held a Walkout Ceremony for retiring Captain Andrew Cheney
on June 30, as police officers, township
employees, friends and family were on
hand at police headquarters for Captain
Cheney’s last day at work before retirement.
After the ceremony, which included several presentations and a helicopter flyover,
Local 168 members took Cheney on his last
ride around the department and town hall.
Cheney was actively involved with Local
168, serving as the recording secretary and
he ran the PBA Honor Guard in 2000. He
was involved with Special Olympics New
Jersey for the past 25 years, participating in
the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the
Polar Plunge, and began his involvement
with the Police Unity Tour in 2003, serving
as president of Chapters 2 and 10.
“Captain Cheney will be remembered as
a man of integrity who was dedicated to the
officers he worked with,” said Jackson Captain Steven Laskiewicz. “He will be missed
by the Jackson Police Department family
and we wish him the best in his retirement.”d
Jackson Township officers salute retiring
Captain Andrew Cheney as he completes a
final tour of the department during a walkout ceremony on June 30.
■
JULY 2015
61
CONGRATULATIONS
Newton awards three
On May 27, Newton Local 138 honored several officers at a
monthly town council meeting before family and friends. Chief
Mike Richards presented Local 138 Member Thomas Muller (right)
with the Exceptional Duty Award and a citation bar for his lead role
in several major investigations, most notably a 2010 kidnapping
case of a local businessman. Sergeant Frank Philhower (center) and Detective Sergeant Dean
Coppolella (left) were each given the Medal of Honor award for their
outstanding acts in the line of duty while arresting an armed subject
who threatened officers as he refused to submit to arrest for
violating parole. d
Keyport promotes two
On June 23, the Keyport Police Department promoted past Local
223 State Delegate Mark Hafner (below, top) to Lieutenant and State
Delegate Matt Salvatore (below, bottom) to Sergeant before family
and friends at a Town Council meeting in borough hall. d
62
NEW JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2015
Mercer
County
Sheriff’s
Office adds
to K-9 Unit
Mercer County Sheriff’s
Office Local 187 added to
its K-9 unit when Sheriff’s
Officer Neil Jantos and K-9
Ragnar graduated from the
New Jersey State Police
Canine Training Academy.
At a June 19 ceremony in
Sea Girt, graduating dogs
received their badges following weeks of extensive
training programs that prepared them for patrol
duties, narcotics and explosive detection, or tracking
assignments.d
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A dream realized
Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration gets
officer’s career off the ground
At 36-years-old, Hugo Torres is embarking on a newfound career
at the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. If not for the will and determination to go back to school, Torres might still be working in the public sector but not in the way he always imagined.
“It’s always been in me. I have always wanted to help. I’ve been
that way since (I was) a kid,” Torres acknowledged. “I found that
being a police officer was the best way to do it.”
That wasn’t always the case. For a number of years Torres worked
in the healthcare industry, most recently as a financial analyst for
Saint Barnabas Medical Center before deciding that wasn’t quite the
way he wanted to give back to his community.
“I enjoy talking to people face-to-face. Being a police officer is the
easiest and most direct way to interact with the community and get
to know who people are,” Torres noted.
He pursued his associate’s degree and graduated from Essex
County College in December 2009, and once the education bug bit,
it bit hard. One afternoon he saw an advertisement from Rutgers
School of Public Affairs and Administration at a bus stop. It read,
“Want to serve the public? Want to know how? Call this number.”
Torres met with the dean a week later.
“My first course was ‘Public Service as a Responsible Citizen’ and
it was based on public agencies,” Torres recalled. “It sparked an
interest in the (Master’s of Public Administration) program and I
started considering a career in law enforcement.”
Torres enrolled in the MPA program in the spring of 2010. With
the credits he culminated from his undergraduate career, he was
able to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in three years.
“My weekends – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – were spent in the
library just studying. It was a sacrifice that I knew was going to pay
off in the end and I graduated Magna Cum Laude,” Torres proudly
stated.
Candidates for the MPA degree complete 42 credits including a
core curriculum of 33 credits and nine concentration credits. Torres
specialized in Public and Nonprofit Performance Management,
highlighted by courses including “Evidence-Based Public Management and Policy,” “Performance Measurement and Reporting for
Public and Nonprofit Organizations” and “Results-Driven Strategic
Management.”
All of these classes, and those particularly in his specialization,
prepared him for his new career.
“I just started my career as a police officer, but it helps me understand how the public sector works and how law enforcement is part
of it from unions to the chain of command,” Torres recognized.
If not for the help of the professors and guidance counselors at
Rutgers, Torres acknowledges those three years might have proven
to be much more difficult.
“I just got my associate’s degree and that was tough. I knew my BA
and MA would be tougher,” admited Torres. “I thought it was going
to be overwhelming.”
Torres cites the “professors and their guidance” as being instrumental to completing the degree: “They were there for me from the
beginning and they took me under their wings.”
64
NEW JERSEY COPS
n
JULY 2015
He mentions two individuals in particular: Sharon Stroye, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs, and Peter Hoontis, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs.
“These two, they made it so much easier,” Torres added. “From
the moment I started the program to the day I presented my thesis.”
With the individual support of weekly meetings with dedicated
faculty members, every MPA student completes a thesis or a capstone putting theory into practice. Students collaborate with nonprofit and government organizations throughout the Tri-State area
and provide research, data collection and analysis services as part
of their three-month engagement.
But the biggest component to achieving success is a simple one:
“You just have to try,” Torres emphasized. “Have support and
believe in yourself and it will get done.”
But before jumping into school, take a minute and really think
about it.
“Decide if you really want to do it,” Torres suggested. “Formulate
a plan and write it down. I’m a big advocate for that; I write everything down. Set up a meeting with the dean and meet with the faculty. The first week or month may seem overwhelming, but you
organize and prioritize. Life’s not guaranteed. There’s obstacles, but
if you have a plan you can overcome.”
His approach seems to be working and he is happier than ever in
his blossoming career.
“Every day is a new adventure,” Torres described. “Having the
opportunity to interact with the public everyday – to meet people
and get to know them – allows me to help in any way possible.”
His inner kid should be proud. d
TRAINING STATION
Products, Services, Classes and Seminars for On The Job
Do we need to practice moving
and shooting?
Some instructors like to portray moving while
shooting to be an advanced level of shooting,
w
ireserved only for experts. This is definitely not the
case; in reality, it is a natural progression to training.
Mastering techniques for moving and shooting is not
only a necessary skill, but it can be rewarding and
very fun. Whether you’re training to participate in
one of the many competition shooting skill groups or
RICH
NICOLETTI if you are training to be on an elite entry team, moving and shooting is simply the next step.
I frequently read articles posted on the internet to stay in tune
with the newest training techniques. One author compared learning to move and shoot with walking with a full cup of coffee and
trying not to spill it. We’ve probably all, to some extent, mastered
that skill, but now try that in reverse. Could you move backward
efficiently while not spilling a drop of coffee?
66
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
The reference to a full cup of liquid is great and I applaud the
author of that article for the reference.
Moving and shooting is very similar. Trying to keep the weapon
steady while moving can be very difficult the first few times you do
it. We have all reached a certain level of expertise with regard to stationary, or “port,” shooting. Even if you are an expert shot who can
make tight groups on a target, once movement is incorporated you
have added a “game changer.”
I have participated in a lot of training that concentrated on forward movement, but the likelihood that this would be used in a
real life scenario is very minimal. The fact is, if there is a threat
throwing rounds in your direction, your posture will most likely be
moving either sideways or backward. Just put it in the legal perspective: If you are advancing and shooting, it better be because
that is the only option for egressing or moving toward cover.
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Detective Sergeant Rich Nicoletti (ret.) worked at the Parsippany
Police Department for 23 years, including serving as a firearms
instructor. He is currently the Training Coordinator at RTSP in
Randolph, as well as an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
■
JULY 2015
67
HEALTH & WELLNESS
‘A man for others’
Ken Burkert has worked diligently as the leader
of the New Jersey State PBA’s Peer Liaison Committee, and is someone who we consider both a hero
and a friend to all of us at Cop 2 Cop.
For those of you who don’t know his history, Ken
is a survivor who lost two close corrections officer
CHERIE
CASTELLANO friends to suicide in less than two years. Ken’s
COP 2 COP courage and compassion after he lost Rudy in a
tragedy that made national news compelled him to
serve even more. Rather than fall, Ken chose to rise together with
the State PBA to advocate for officer suicide awareness and to
combat stigma.
Ken and I met officially in the Governor’s Task Force on Police
Suicide in 2008 when we both served as task force members to
address a sharp increase of police suicides in our state. (Pat Colligan was also a task force member so the NJSPBA was well represented!)
During this task force assignment, Ken lost his second brother
corrections officer Frankie, but this time he used the education
and resources he picked up to lead a model response, collaborating with Cop 2 Cop and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to affect change.
Kenny has made a profound impact on PBA members, and has
never shied away from the microphone during state PBA meetings, always volunteering to tell his story of loss, and begging, if
need be, for officers to reach out for help. Ken has been a big part
of the success, access and acceptance of the Cop 2 Cop peer
helpline and debriefings, as well as the Cop 2 Cop QPR suicide
prevention trainings that have reached thousands of officers.
Our first countywide mandatory in-service Cop 2 Cop QPR
training was championed in Ken’s Union County, which made
history by training more than 1,000 officers to “Be your brother’s
keeper.” The effort was expanded when Union County
Prosecutor Ted Romenco worked with county chiefs to offer QPR
CONTINUED ON PAGE 73
Treating PBA Members and Their Families for Alcoholism, Addiction,
Post-Traumatic Stress, Depression & Anxiety disorders for more than 30 years
Transitions Specializes in treating Police Officers for:
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder • Stress Management • Anger Management • Unresolved Trauma • Eating Disorders
Transitions Recovery Program was conceived and designed by a retired Miami Police Officer
with a passion for helping chemically dependent clients and their families.
Admissions for qualified candidates accepted seven (7) days a week.
Most major insurance accepted and a contracted provider for many Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO’s) and Managed Care Companies.
Rehab programs use a combination of group and individual therapy, education, 12-step meetings and family support.
Patients reside in apartments in a private, upscale gated community located in North Miami Beach, FL. Amenities include deluxe, furnished
apartments, pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and a new high-end gym with a fitness trainer dedicated to police oficers.
Transitions has successfully treated almost 400 NJSPBA members and their families during the past 7 years.
Contact person in New Jersey: Jerry Hartman,
a member of the PBA Peer Assistance Response Team.
Cell: 610-914-1585
(800) 626-1980
1928 NE 154th Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
www.transitionsrecovery.com
Transitions Has Earned
the Joint Commission’s
Gold Seal of Approval
Licensed by the State of Florida
24-Hour HELP LINE: 800-626-1980
■
JULY 2015
69
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS FROM
‘It saved my life’
There is nothing scarier than going for a routine check-up and
finding out you have a life-threatening condition.
This is exactly what happened to Brigantine Local 204 member
Chris Hurst.
He came to Deborah for a routine cardiac and pulmonary screening as part of the “A Gift from Captain Buscio” program, a specialty
half-day no-cost screening offered to NJ police officers and firefighters.
“I met with Dr. Sena for my initial consult and testing,” recalled
Hurst. “I thought everything was fine until he said, ‘I think you need
to come back for further tests.’”
The 42-year-old father of two was surprised, but not worried. An
avid boater, cyclist and sportsman
who loves vigorous outside play with
his children, he felt in the peak of
health. Subsequent testing and a cardiac catheterization proved otherwise.
“We found that Chris had an atrial
septal defect, or ASD; this is a hole in
the atrial septum, the wall that normally separates the left and right atrium,” explained Richard Kovach, MD,
Chair of Deborah’s Interventional Cardiology Program. “There was blood
moving across this defect from the left
70
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
to the right side of the heart, and we needed to close that hole before
he had serious consequences. So much blood was moving across
the septum that if left untreated the patient was likely to develop
pulmonary hypertension (elevated blood pressure in the lungs that,
if present long enough, can be irreversible) and eventual failure of
the right side of the heart.”
“I felt confident in the staff at Deborah,” reacted Hurst, “but, honestly, I was scared.”
A two-hour, minimally invasive procedure with Dr. Kovach in
Deborah’s state-of-the-art hybrid operating room quickly and efficiently closed the hole in Hurst’s heart.
“I am happy we were able to repair this with a sophisticated minimally invasive procedure,” added Dr. Kovach. “Especially for such
a young man as Chris, who takes good care of his health and enjoys
an active lifestyle. If this hadn’t been detected, Chris faced some
potentially devastating consequences in the future, but now he
should enjoy a normal, healthy life.”
“I can’t thank Deborah enough,” added Hurst. “I am so happy
that they caught this condition and were able to make the repair. I
urge everyone I meet now to make sure they take their health seriously and get screened themselves.”
To see Chris’s story, go to www.demanddeborah.org. For more information about the “A Gift from Captain Buscio” program, call 800555-1990.
A solution to nerve pain that
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Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition that
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number of factors including diabetes, chemotherapy and radiation for cancer treatment, specific diseases and exposure to toxic
substances.
Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to, or an inflammation of, the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. These
nerves extend from the spinal cord to points throughout the body.
The body-wide extent of the peripheral nervous system means
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The majority of patients treated have sensory neuropathies.
Sensory neuropathies cause changes in the way you perceive
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The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes.
Diabetes destroys the nerve cells due to the high levels of circulation sugar in the blood. Diabetes can affect many different body
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blood-sugar levels with this condition.
Diabetes is a serious condition, and more than 29 million
Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. The disease is on the rise
due to poor diet choices and the consumption of fast foods that
are convenient but not usually the healthiest choice. Poor diets
increase inflammation, which also increases the effects of the
neuropathy. As part of the treatment, follow a diet that is low in
sugars with a reduction of grains and dairy.
■
JULY 2015
71
Another issue that can be helped with the proper treatment is
post-chemotherapy neuropathy and radiation therapy.
Chemicals from cancer therapy and radiation destroy the nerve
cells, which affects their ability to conduct signals.
Peripheral neuropathy tends to get better over time, and this is
especially true of cases with a definite cause, such as disease or
exposure to toxins, that can be treated or managed.
The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends largely on
the cause of the nerve damage. Peripheral nerves have little ability
to regenerate, so it is vital to get treatment early.
The Micro-current Vascular Treatment System is a dramatic
treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
The Micro-current Vascular Treatment System is the result of
several years of research and development. Thousands of patient
case histories show The Micro-current Vascular Treatment System
to be totally safe and effective in the treatment of a cross section
of vascular deficiency cases. The following conditions have all
responded well with excellent results:
• Diabetic Neuropathy for Arms and Lower Extremity
• Post Chemotherapy Neuropathy
• Post Radiation Neuropathy
• Occupational Medicine (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Ischemic Rest Pain
Micro-current has a potent effect on the microcirculation,
which results in dramatic responses to impaired circulation in the
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72
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
capillary beds. Without blood flow to the tissues, oxygen and
nutrients cannot get into the tissues and the waste products of
metabolism cannot get out. This puts a severe stress on the tissues
causing them to go into a survival mode. The cells use what
limited resources they have to stay alive and higher functions,
including healing and repair, become essentially shut down.
The Micro-current’s electrical form stimulates budding of new
capillaries and generation of denser capillary networks in the tissues. This lays the groundwork for new tissue growth and repair
in the healing process, and the new tissue results in improved
blood flow that has shown to be permanent in most cases.
As of now, there is no known current technology or treatment
that can reverse diabetic, peripheral and sensory neuropathy
other than Micro-current. This appears to be a therapeutic benefit
that is unique to Micro-current thus far.
If you have any questions or would like to have a complementary consultation to determine if this treatment is right for you or
your loved ones, please contact Dr. Goldfarb at 973-359-4400
and/or visit us at www.medicalwellnessnj.com. d
Dr. Larry Goldfarb is the managing partner of Medical and
Wellness Center of New Jersey, a multidisciplinary health center
located in Cedar Knolls. He has been practicing for 36 years. His son
Michael is a member of Millburn Local 34. Medical and Wellness
Center of New Jersey’s focus is on pain relief and on relieving the
underlying condition.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69
training to all officers in Union county!
We followed that model for a countywide project in Passaic and
Hunterdon Counties thanks to the credibility and truth in Ken’s
simple and direct message that represents the law enforcement
officer’s voice without politics, position or personal opinion
getting in his way: We have to do more to help.
Our best stories about Kenny’s heroism include regular statements heard at Cop 2 Cop on calls or on our peer phones, when
officers say “I heard Kenny at our PBA meeting,” or “a friend told
me a union county officer said you can help me.” Some of those
cases have resulted in actual rescues from officers in crisis.
Ken has inspired change and service and never asked for anything in return. He is blessed with a beautiful wife Renee, daughter
Victoria, and two amazing sons, Ryan and Connor, who recently
graduated from St. Peters Prep and who are heading to Hofstra
University as wrestling superstars in the fall.
It was no coincidence when I wrote this article that Saint Peter’s
words came to mind. Although Saint Michael is the police officer’s
patron saint, Saint Peter is known simply as “a man for others,”
which perfectly summarizes who Kenny really is.
Godspeed in your retirement; your legacy lives on every time a
PBA State Delegate calls Cop 2 Cop or an officer finds the courage
to reach out for help. Everyone at the NJSPBA and all of us at Cop
2 Cop are eternally grateful and blessed that you have been and
always will be “a man for others.” d
■
JULY 2015
73
Farewell Officer Tuohy
Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officers Local 314 and the entire State PBA lose a true leader
n BY DONNA WEAVER
A fighter and a tough guy and a man who was
willing to help anyone; that was how Monmouth
County Sheriff’s Office Local 314 former President
Joe Tuohy, was eulogized last month.
Tuohy died after a battle with cancer on May 29.
He was just 43-years-old. Tuohy retired after a 20year law enforcement career that included working
as a Monmouth County corrections officer, a
Holmdel patrolman and finally a Monmouth County Sheriff’s officer.
Tuohy is also credited with pioneering the Union
Beach Police Explorer program and volunteering in
the Middletown Police Explorer Post 102.
In a heartfelt eulogy, his wife Jacqueline said right
to the end Tuohy was taking care of his family –
including children Sean and Hailey – and putting
everything in place to make sure they would be OK once he was gone.
“Even in the end you fought for everything with passion and dedication. You were someone who could find common ground with anyone,”
she said as she fought back tears. “I hear stories about what a tough guy
you were, but the man I knew was gentle and never raised his voice to
me or our children.”
Tuohy was committed to his family, his Irish heritage and fighting for
fairness in both the law enforcement profession and as a leader in his
Local.
Although his career was in Monmouth County, Tuohy was an active
74
NEW JERSEY COPS
n
JULY 2015
supporter of the Locals in Ocean County near his
home in Manahawkin.
Those brothers and sisters in blue filled the St.
Mary’s Chapel in New Monmouth on June 3 to say
their last goodbyes to Tuohy.
For Local 314 State Delegate Michael Schulze,
Tuohy’s death is a devastating blow to the law
enforcement community and the State PBA, as he
was known for teaching his fellow members that it
was their responsibility to keep the government on
its toes. He even worked to teach his brothers and
sisters in blue the ins and outs of the Open Public
Records Act and the process of obtaining government documents.
“He worked on three contracts for our officers
and he always fought for everyone no matter who
they were,” Schulze said. “And at every PBA event,
Joe was always there.” Schulze said Tuohy’s heart bled blue and you
wouldn’t want to be on the other end of the table negotiating a contract
with him.
“He never focused on his struggles and he helped me out until the
end, providing me with information and guidance,” he recalled.
Donations for Sean and Hailey Tuohy’s college fund can be sent to
the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officers Civic Association, PO Box 1245
Freehold, NJ 07728. Checks should be made payable to the Joe Tuohy
Fund. d
ALL IN THE FAMILY
A
H
■
JULY 2015
975
Exclusive Member Benefits
Are you a full time active-duty law enforcement officer receiving this magazine and not already a member
of the PBA? If you are and would like more information on joining the PBA or starting a Local Association,
please contact us at the State PBA Office in Woodbridge, NJ 732-636-8860.
that affect your working conditions. NJ COPS is
mailed directly to the homes of our active and
Local 600 members.
State PBA Meetings
Every month except August, the State Board of
Delegates meets to discuss the business of
organization. All members in good standing are
welcome to attend. See our 411 section for
meeting locations and dates.
Clinical Services
On-site counseling for Individual & Family
Members, Training Seminars (e.g. Suicide,
Stress, PTSD, etc.) & General Consultation on
Mental Health is available to PBA Members at
no cost. Dr. Eugene Stefanelli is a Board Certified
Diplomat in Psychotherapy and a Licensed
Therapist. For services, call 732-636-8860 or for
24-hour emergency hotline call 732-609-3554.
PBA Legal Protection Plan
The State PBA office is open daily,
Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to
5:00PM. We are closed on major holidays.
Not an insurance policy purchased from some
out-of-state company or one concocted by an
attorney for profit. The LPP is owned and
operated by the PBA, exclusively for PBA members.
Line of Duty Death Benefits
Looking for
the perfect gift?
Beneficiaries of PBA members killed in the line
of duty as a law enforcement officer or member
of the National Guard or Reserve will receive a
$25,000 death benefit provided by the NJ State
PBA Survivor & Welfare Fund.
PBA License Plates
NJ COP SHOT
Every member of the PBA may have PBA license
plates issued to them for display on vehicles
owned or registered to the member or the member’s spouse. There is a $50 fee.
A $20,000 reward will be offered for the arrest
and conviction of an assailant who seriously
injures any law enforcement officer regardless
of their employer or union affiliation.
Courtesy Cards
Each year, members are issued 10 PBA Courtesy
Cards that can be given to supporters of law
enforcement.
Family Member Courtesy Cards
Special member courtesy cards are available to
members through their State Delegate.
Try the NJ State PBA Store
Golf Shirts • Windbreakers • Hoodies
T-Shirts • Convention Wear • Key rings
Watches • Overnight bags...
and much
Sizes and styles for the entire family
NJ State PBA Store
Located at State PBA Headquarters
158 Main Street • Woodbridge, NJ
732-636-8860
Located at State PBA Headquarters
PBA Car Shields
Every member may have up to three shields
licensed to them for display in vehicles owned
or registered to the member or the member’s
spouse.
PBA Logo Store
Jackets, hats, shirts and many other items bearing the PBA logo are
available at the PBA Store located at the State PBA Office in Woodbridge. Proceeds of all sales are dedicated to the PBA Survivor &Welfare Fund.
Keeping the Members Informed
The State PBA is the only Law Enforcement Union in New Jersey that
provides its membership with a full-color monthly magazine that
contains real-time news and information on events and happenings
76
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
JULY 2015
Labor consultant George O’Brien is available to
assist Local Association PBA and SOA
leadership with labor and discipline representational and research questions.
Union Leadership Training
Training for Local presidents, delegates and
other executive board members is provided at
the State PBA office on a monthly or as-needed
basis.
PBA Family Day at Six Flags
PBA members and their families enjoy a picnic
and a day out at Six Flags Great Adventure in
Jackson, NJ each year at a substantial discount.
Special Services
The PBA mantains two trailers equipped with
coffee makers and are configured for refreshment delivery or other event support functions.
These trailers are used at events such as Police funerals, the Polar Bear
Plunge and other events our members attend. The trailers are also
available for Local Association functions.
Labor Relations Assistance
PBA Scholarships
35 scholarships are awarded annually to children of PBA members.
NJM Insurance
Car and Homeowners insurance policies at substantial discounts are
available to PBA members through the New Jersey Manufacturers
Insurance Company. Members can call the State Office for our membership number.
Benefits and Retirement Planning
Pete Andreyev has joined the State PBA Staff and will be conducting
regular retirement and benefit planning seminars at PBA Headquarters in Woodbridge and throughout the state. The workshops are
open to members and their spouses. The service is provided at no
cost to members.
Representing New Jersey’s Finest
9

Making Headlines - NJ Cops Magazine

Transcription

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