Families Behind the Badge

amsessa@ft.newyorklife.com

The recent eighth annual Families Behind the Badge was a great success.

Fourteen teams of North Jersey law enforcement officers and first responders battled it out for the title, which was won this year by the NJ State Police. Runner-up was the Hudson County Corrections Dept. The tournament honors officers that have given their lives in the line of duty and their families and raises funds to assist those surviving families via the State PBA Survivors Fund.

Over $15,000 was raised at the event, which will be given to the NJ State PBA Survivors Fund and the family of the late Capt. Jeff O’Brien of the Woodland Park Police Department. A 23-year member of the WPPD, Capt. O’Brien passed away on Nov. 21, 2022, after an eight-year battle with brain cancer.

“Today standing up here feels a little surreal…honoring one of my officers,” said WPPD Chief John Uzzalino. “Jeff was a very knowledgeable police officer, was very well respected, and will be deeply missed by those he touched.”

Participating teams included the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s Dept., Elmwood Park PD, North Arlington PD, Hudson County Corrections Dept., Clifton PD, NJ State Police, Woodland Park PD, Montclair PD, Little Falls PD, Passaic PD, Paterson PD, Bloomfield PD, and the West Paterson Fire Department.

Students at Memorial Middle School have volunteered many times over the years to assist at functions held for the Woodland Park Seniors at the WP Boys & Girls Club.

In an effort to give back, the senior club presents an annual essay contest for District eight graders. This is the second year the contest has been held. Monies for the awards were collected from club members throughout the year at club meetings.

The theme for 2023 was: “The impossible need not become an impossibility.” Interested students were to submit an essay of 500 words or less on the topic and the essays were reviewed by a committee of four retired teachers who are members of the senior group.

At a recent club meeting, the students were saluted for their submissions and the winners were announced.

Students who were awarded $100 prizes were: Alexander De Santis, Merieka Corpuz, and Jordyn Jacobs-Lee. Each of these students shared their essays with the group. Students who were awarded $50 were Jalal Elnatshe and Thiago Rodriguez.

The club also recognized the following students for their participation: Monier Issa, Anthony Hathout, Omar Deep, Joaquin Vila, Onur Sozer, Ilyanna Shanaa, Isabella Molina, Lazar Mastalkov, Sofia Perillo, Jordin Campbell, Jayden Byles, and Joanie Mupo. Each of these students received $10 and a certificate.