President Tony Wieners’ Message

 


Once again, during the month of May, I had the honor of attending the activities and ceremonies in our Nation's Capitol during National Police Week.  I consider it an absolute privilege to be amongst the many present to honor the service and sacrifice of the members of our law enforcement community.

I attended a ceremony at the White House where President Obama hosted The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) 2013 TOP COPS.  Law enforcement officers from across this nation received recognition for their brave and gallant actions performed while in the service of their communities.  Among the prestigious award recipients was one of our very own, Capt. Mark McGrath of the Wayne Police Department.  Capt. McGrath was recognized for the courageous actions he took during the height of Hurricane Sandy when a tree fell on the patrol vehicle of fellow Officer Bob Franco, trapping him within the vehicle.  In the midst of a violent storm, the patrol car was crushed, covered with limbs and live electrical wires, and Officer Franco critically injured inside the vehicle, Capt. McGrath without regard for his own personal safety effectuated a rescue which took over an hour in very dangerous conditions.  I am happy to say that Officer Bob Franco was in attendance at the ceremony, well on the road to recovery.

Having the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the President of the United States and walking the halls of a building that served as the residence to Presidents and their families going back to John Adams tends to leave one a bit star-struck.  Only after I heard President Obama tell the stories about the heroic acts of courage performed by many of the honorees did it become evident to me that these are the individuals who are the true stars, those who rush towards danger, while others run away.
In 1998 I was one of 50 riders who participated in the Police Unity Tour, cycling in torrential rain from West Orange, NJ to Washington, DC.  Upon our arrival at the Memorial we were greeted by Craig Floyd, the Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, and some 30 or so individuals, mostly family members.  Since then I have attended the Unity Tour arrival at the Memorial many times and it has become a huge event with survivors of the fallen, officers, and family members lining the streets of Washington, all there to celebrate the end of their long tedious journey for an absolutely remarkable cause.  This year some 1,700 officers made the trek from many chapters emanating from points across the country raising more than $1.7 million for the National Law Enforcement Memorial.  I'd be remiss if I didn't offer my sincerest congratulations and gratitude to Patrick Montuore, Harry Phillips and all the event staff, support staff and riders for helping to keep the memory alive of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  The motto of the Police Unity Tour is plain and simple, "WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO DIED."  Thank You!!!

On the evening of May 13th this year, countless thousands of officers from  across the nation attended a  candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Memorial.  It's a time where we honor the lives and memories of those officers who made the supreme sacrifice, but it's also a time when we show our support to the families of our fallen.  Being on the platform and reciting the names of fallen officers from New Jersey is truly an honor that words cannot describe.  Looking out at the masses when the candles are lit is an unforgettable, absolutely amazing sight.  It reminded me that honoring the lives and memories of our fallen and supporting the survivors is an obligation we must all share, not only on May 13th but 365 days a year.
In closing, I'd like to congratulate New Jersey's own Madeline Neumann on her re-election as the President of the national Concerns of Police Survivors.

As the summer season starts, on behalf of our entire Executive Board and Staff, I'd like to wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy summer season.

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  • V.P. Keith Dunn's corner

    PBA Salutes Boston                 

    The tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon last month is just another reminder that the “war against terror” is far from over and that at any time, we can all be on the front line.  Two radical and deeply disturbed brothers decided to pick Patriots Day in Massachusetts and its most symbolic event, the running of the marathon in the capitol city of Boston, to unleash their evil and detonate bombs.  Three innocent people were killed and nearly two hundred with bodily injuries, some life threatening and multiple amputees. 
    Local, state and federal law enforcement teamed up in an effort to track down the most wanted person or persons in the world.  Video surveillance uncovered by relentless investigators revealed that it was two cowardly males whose pictures were than posted on every news network.  A law enforcement officer (MIT Campus Police Officer Sean Collier) was shot and killed by one of these cold blooded terrorists just days after the bombing, as the net was closing in on the two thugs.  The manhunt intensified after a carjacking and chase into neighboring Watertown, where suspect #1 (or scumbag #1- whichever you prefer) was killed after a gun battle with police and being driven over by his brother, who was now more infamously known as scumbag #2 (I prefer the later).  This act of driving over his own sibling is probably the only worthwhile action either brother took while alive.
    The region went on lockdown with businesses closed, schools and colleges were cancelled, and professional sporting events postponed, as law enforcement continued their pursuit.  A call from a resident who went into the backyard and saw blood on his boat cover would prove to be the final piece that law enforcement would need.  More gunfire was exchanged, but police finally were able to take the surviving terrorist into custody, who had serious blood loss from gunshot wounds.  One of his wounds may have been self inflicted, so scumbag #2 might have actually done one other meaningful act in life aside from making his brother a pancake. Ironically the first responders who he sought to kill and defy were now acting to save his sorry life and hopefully get some good “intel” from him on how and why this plot was played out (and was anyone else involved).
    The city of Boston took a deep breath and so could the surrounding communities.  But not for long, as law enforcement is all too well aware that an act like this can happen at any place at any given time.  From Oklahoma City to Columbine, Aurora Movie Theatre to the countless plots unfolded by good police work- the public must work together with police officers who will remain front and center to battle the terrorists (domestic or international).   Boston deserved the great day that Fenway provided for the fans the afternoon following the final capture, as Neil Diamond sang their anthem “Sweet Caroline” and the Red Sox fittingly came back to beat the Royals. 
    --For those who know me and are wondering about my baseball allegiance with this Red Sox and “Sweet Caroline” stuff that I am wring about- fear not- just as the Marathon will continue, so too will the greatest rivalry in sports.  The Royals swept the Sawx the next day, and Sinatra’s “New York New York” will always be the best team anthem.  2004 still burns me up and I will take Babe, Bucky Bleeping Dent and the 27 championships any day (you can have Clemens back).  But Red Sox Nation stood tall during the Marathon bombing and the events that unfolded in the days that followed, and true fans respect and appreciate that from their team and the city that so proudly supports them.    B STRONG.
    So as we enter Police Week and the events that surround it, my thanks to the men and women of the Boston Police Department and every other law enforcement agency that assisted in the killing or capture of the terrorists who attempted to hold them hostage while taking innocent young lives and maiming so many others. The Boston Marathon will take place next year on Patriots Day, bigger and better than ever, but forever changed because of this senseless act. 

 

Rob Nixon's legislative news

 

State PBA Legislation Watch List

Endorsements and the PBA

Even though the 2013 election season is still in its earliest stages a flurry of endorsements in the Governor’s race have been handed out.  Many of these endorsements have made the front page – Building Trades for the Governor, public employee groups for Barbara Buono.  One major endorsement that is lacking in any race up to this point is that of the State PBA. 

Historically the State PBA does not make endorsements before the Primary Election is held in any race.  This has been a guide for decades with very few special exceptions (Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. last year is the lone exception in recent memory due to the merging of 2 Congressional Districts following redistricting).   This ensures the State PBA doesn’t get entangled in the often messy inner party fighting of a primary election.  Primaries by their design are open to members of the individual political parties to choose their own party candidates to run in the General Election in November.  Since State PBA members are Republicans, Democrats and Unaffiliated, endorsing before a Primary needs to be done with laser focus of members within that District and of the political party in question.  One thing that is certain is that the State PBA supports candidates that support its members without concern about their party affiliation.

The State PBA also focuses heavily on individual candidates records while in office.  Any elected official can promise you anything they want in a questionnaire or speech but their actions in office spell out whether that person actually did what they said they would.  Since this session still has a few months before they start their summer recess (in June) and a number of issues remain outstanding, a pre-primary endorsement (the Primary is also in June) would pre-judge a lot of what still remains to be sorted out. 

In addition, traditionally, the State PBA makes its endorsements for State and Legislative offices in the Fall during the Annual Convention.  This ensures that the candidates for Legislature (or other State office) have had an opportunity to meet with and allow State PBA leaders to make a thorough examination of their records.  The timing also allows for meaningful dialogue between the candidates for major offices (Governor, US Senate, etc.) and the State PBA.

An endorsement means different things to different candidates.  Some view it as a validation of teamwork and mutual loyalty.  Some candidates see it as a piece in building a coalition from which money and volunteers can be taken.  And some collect endorsements like baseball cards – great to collect and say you have but which have very little meaning to others.  Groups that make endorsements also have different reasons and wants for doing so as well.

The State PBA has long viewed endorsements as something to be given that has been earned and not something to be taken for granted.  The State PBA has made endorsements only to take it away in the next election.  Sometimes the State PBA will stand with an elected official after a “bad vote” because their overall record has been truly great.  In the end, for an endorsement to mean something it has to come with a true commitment on both sides of the support.  But it also has to come with a commitment of State PBA members to work together to support the candidates endorsed by the PBA Executive Board and Board of Delegates.  An endorsement is meaningless, which translates into the organization being meaningless, if large numbers of members ignore the recommendation! 

So as the State PBA moves through April without making endorsements it should not be a surprise to the membership.  These matters will be carefully analyzed and discussed in their right time.  Until then, members should pay attention to what is going on in the political world around them.  The election in November will be upon us soon enough.

 

__________________________
From the desk of John Hulse


The deadline for submissions for the June 2013 issue of NJ COPS Magazine is Monday, May 27, 2013


NJ COPS Magazine

contains a great deal of information about laws, proposed legislation and situations relating to and affecting working conditions of New Jersey Law Enforcement Officers. But more importantly, it contains news and photos from our individual Local Associations.
Promotions, newly elected Local leaders, charity events, all of the happenings within your communities are great news items that we should share with everyone reading our publication.
Please send your articles and photos to PBA Editor John Hulse at news@njspba.com