NJ Blue Now August-September 2014

NJ LUENOW Volume 5 ~ Issue 6

August/September 2014

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New Jersey’s Independent Voice of Law Enforcement www.NJbluenow.com

& Sacrifice

Service

OFFICER

CHRISTOPHER GOODELL WALDWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT

DETECTIVE

MELVIN SANTIAGO

JERSEY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

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Publisher Envisage Productions

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Editor-in-Chief Daniel Del Valle Managing Partner Sean P. Ryan Managing Editor Capt. Donna Roman-Hernandez (Ret.) Vice President Operations Det. John Welsh

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Design Editor Dari Izhaky Copy Editor Det. George Beck writers Dr. Paul Klein Matthew A. Peluso, Esq. Lt. Joseph Pangaro (Ret.) Nicole C. Richardson Daniel Del Valle Officer Eddie Molina Jay Martinez Capt. Donna Roman Hernandez (Ret.) Det. George Beck

Editor’s point of view

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Daniel Del Valle

health

Heel Pain: New Treatments 8 That WORK!

the law

The Reasonable Use of Force: 10 A Legal Analysis

photographers Capt. Donna Roman Hernandez (Ret.) Vincent J. D’Amico

training

WEBSITE/SUBSCRIPTIONS www.njbluenow.com

awareness

EMAIL info@njbluenow.com

Interview

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The opinions and information provided in this magazine are the sole opinions of the editor and contributors and not their employers.

NJBlueNow is published 9 times a year. ©Copyright 2011 NJ BLUE NOW, LLC. All rights reserved. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate as of publication date, NJ BLUE NOW, LLC and its employees, agents, clients and distributors shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use of or reliance on the information contained in this publication or from omissions to this publication.

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The New Jersey Narcotics 12 Officers Association

Against All Odds 14 A Lesson in Patience 16

and Perseverance Officer Dave Cuozzo

inside view

18 Did You Know…?

Interesting Things within the Law Enforcement Community You Probably Didn’t Know

up close

blue Events

34 Appreciation Awards Dinner 38 Passaic County Sheriff’s Department Promotional Ceremony

Woodbridge Officer Recognized For Outstanding Police Service

40 The Hispanic Law

Enforcement Society of Essex County 2014 - Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament & Family Picnic - A Tribute to Fallen Officers

The National Organization 42

of Black Women In Law Enforcement Newark Chapter

tribute

44 Tribute to 9/11 blue barbecues

46 NJ State Corrections D-Block Annual Cookout

Italian American Police Society of New Jersey Annual Member Picnic and Pool Party

Break In Case of 22

remembrance

cover story

blue paws

an Emergency

24

Service & Sacrifice

Women in BluE

30 Det. Sgt. Toni Latario Leading the Charge

48 Officer Nathanial Webb Law Enforcement Officers 50 and Their Canines

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editor’s POINt of VIEW Unpredictable. It’s a strong word and one that rings true in our profession.

As much as we believe that anything can happen in law enforcement work, we also somehow feel untouchable at times. It’s the old, “It will never happen to me,” kind of thinking. The loss of two of our own, Detective Melvin Santiago and Officer Christopher Goodell, within days of each other, is all the proof we need that we’re just as vulnerable as anyone else, if not more so.

Evil and reckless behavior that exists in our society can strike at any time. NJ Blue Now Magazine offers our condolences to the Santiago and Goodell families, and the members of the Jersey City and Waldwick Police Departments. We feel your pain and support you.

The reality is that the unpredictable loss of Det. Santiago and Ofc. Goodell not only makes it harder to accept, but also allows us to see our own mortality. In law enforcement, tragedy can strike at any given time. Regardless of how many issues law enforcement is currently dealing with, the loss of these two officers hits home the hardest.

I believe law enforcement must be more understanding with each other, and understand we are all working toward the same objectives: to protect and serve and make a difference in our society. At times like these, we must back each other up. We must support one another.

In an unpredictable world where a criminal would senselessly plot to kill our brother or sister, and understanding that tragedy can come at any time, we must value our employment and time, and forever remember the legacy of our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As you can tell, the tragic loss of our brothers in blue has really overwhelmed me. My disappointment is magnified as I watch citizens slowly forget the importance of the law enforcement profession. We exist to protect and serve them, yet they denounce us regularly and offer disparaging comments and sentiments that are unfair and sometimes downright appalling. Therefore, let’s take this time to reflect and analyze what we can do for one another, to support each other while we move ahead.

We never know what can happen tomorrow. My interview with Officer Dave Cuozzo of the Union Township Police Department exemplifies this, and his story is one of perseverance. It truly was a humbling experience to interview Officer Cuozzo, who has lost so much, yet still believes he has everything to live for. Officer Cuozzo is a perfect example about how perception can make a difference. Through my interview with Officer Cuozzo, I was pleased to meet the officers who stand by him--the genuine brotherhood of blue.

We must remember the gift of life is a blessing. I know we can overcome anything at anytime as long as we are here for one another.

United, we will prevail.

Till next time!

Stay Healthy, Stay Strong, Stay Blue!

If you’d like to receive this magazine free by mail… please go to our website

Daniel Del Valle Editor Daniel@njbluenow.com

www.njbluenow.com this issue is sponsored by

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

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health

Heel Pain:

New Treatments That WORK!

By Dr. Paul Klein

M

ore Americans visit a foot and ankle specialist for heel pain yearly than for any other foot complaint. Why? It’s simple--we walk, run, stand, climb and jump on a hard, unforgiving surface every day with our feet taking the abuse. The heel strikes the ground first and absorbs all of our weight thousands of times a day. When heel pain occurs to the average person, they don’t rush off to the doctor first--they often go to buy over the counter remedies from their local pharmacy. But when those remedies fail, they seek out medical care.

Historically, medical care has offered a first line treatment of stretching exercises, foot inserts, cortisone injections and strapping of the foot with tape. Approximately 80% of all heel pain patients had their pain resolved, but this left 20% with pain that interfered with their daily lives and jobs.

For that 20% of the patients who had no relief, you or anyone else reading this who knows someone in that situation should continue reading because I will discuss new treatments that WORK !

First, we need a simple explanation of why heel pain exists. The foot has a broad tissue called the Plantar Fascia on the bottom of the heel that connects forward to the toe joints. It acts like a trampoline. If you have tightness in the back of your leg muscles, it will affect this fascia. If you pronate or have flat feet, it will affect this fascia. When fascia becomes inflamed, painful and thickened at the heel and the surrounding nerves will report to the brain via the peripheral nerve system that you have a problem.

Large heel spurs or bone growths occur because the fascia chronically pulls away from the bone creating an inflammatory process whereby bone is produced. The greater the pulling over time produces a large heel spur. Additionally certain

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arthrides, such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus, and Reiters Disease can produce heel pain.

Several nerves pass through the area of the heel providing sensation to the sides and bottom of the heel. Sometimes these nerves become entrapped and produce heel pain symptoms. A proper examination of the heel is required to determine which treatment option will work the best to relieve the heel pain. Using the newest Digital Ultrasound Diagnostic Unit, we can now see not only the bones of the foot but the tendons, ligaments, arteries, veins, nerves and muscles as clearly as a picture on your cell phones. Nerve testing is performed for patients with heel pain of neuritic origin.

Once a diagnosis is determined, a treatment plan will be reviewed in detail with you.

New Treatments that WORK – offer patients the relief of heel pain.

Radiofrequency Lesioning is a treatment protocol that I co-authored in the original published article in 1996. Since then, this procedure has been widely accepted and performed with an 88-92% success rate.

Patients can literally walk out in their own shoes right after the procedure.

Percutaneous Needling Fasciotomy is a treatment protocol that uses a needle to provide relief from heel pain. Patients again can walk out in their own shoes right after the procedure.

Digital Ultrasound Guided PRP injections allow a patient’s own blood platelets to be re-injected around the patient’s heel to allow healing of the plantar fascia.

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure that utilizes a small 5mm incision to allow entry of a 4mm camera that can actually see the plantar fascia and then lengthen it. This procedure usually requires 10-15 minutes.

If during the course of the patient’s examination an impinged or damaged nerve is found to be the true cause of the heel pain, then treatment options for the release and repair of the nerve would be offered. Many times patients have undergone treatments and surgery by another physician with failed results leading to worsening of the heel pain. Usually the diagnosis of nerve entrapment was missed initially and complicated by the wrong procedures being performed.

Dr. Paul G Klein is a Board Certified Foot & Ankle specialist with Fellowship training in Peripheral Nerve Surgery. Dr. Klein is a national lecturer on nerve pain and its treatments; and is presently Division Chief for Podiatric Surgery at St Joseph’s Wayne Hospital.

Dr. Klein has successfully performed countless numbers of nerve releases for heel pain with patients returning to pain free and normal lives. If you or a friend has heel pain that has not been relieved by over the counter products or has experienced less than optimal results from prior medical care, then call Dr. Klein at 973-595-155

Digital Ultrasound Guided Amniotic Tissue Graft injection places stem cells from Amniotic Tissue to regenerate the plantar fascia.

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the law

THE REASONABLE USE OF FORCE: A LEGAL ANALYSIS

By Matthew A. Peluso, Esq.

T

his summer has seen rising community tensions in some cities as the result of a few tragic deaths and assaults involving law enforcement officers and members of the public. In June, a Nassau County police officer was charged with felony assault for excessive force in the arrest of a 20 year-old during a traffic stop.

In July, the death of Eric Garner in Staten Island during his arrest has been ruled a homicide and one of the officers involved has been stripped of his badge and gun pending investigation. Then, in August, an 18 year-old in Ferguson, Missouri was shot and killed by a police officer during an attempted arrest, which has led to rioting and looting in that now-troubled town.

As the result of these highly publicized incidents, the appropriate use of force by law enforcement officers has, again, become a hotly disputed and politicized debate at both the local and national level.

Therefore, it is critical that law enforcement officers re-familiarize themselves with the controlling law on the reasonable use of force, especially deadly force, in the performance of their duties.

In Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989), the United States Supreme Court ruled that a law enforcement officer’s use of force must be judged in accordance with the 4th Amendment’s “objective reasonableness” standard viewed in light of the facts and circumstances confronting the officers, without regard to their underlying intent or motivation. “The ‘reasonableness’ of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, and its calculus must embody an allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second decisions about the amount of force necessary in a particular situation.” Id. at 396-397.

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Similarly, under longstanding New Jersey law, an officer affecting an arrest may use only “such force as is reasonable under the circumstances.” State v. Mulvihill, 57 N.J. 151, 156 (1970). Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:3-7, the use of force against a suspect is justifiable when a law enforcement officer is making or assisting in making an arrest and “reasonably believes” that, among other potential dangers, such force is immediately necessary to effect a lawful arrest.

As law enforcement officers are aware, the State of New Jersey, Office of the Attorney General, has issued a “Use of Force” policy (the “Policy”) consistent with the controlling statutory and legal precedent in this state. Under the Policy, “reasonable belief ” is defined as an “objective assessment based upon an evaluation of how a reasonable law enforcement officer with comparable training and experience would react to, or draw inferences from, the facts and circumstances confronting and known by the law enforcement officer at the scene.”

Under the Policy, a law enforcement officer “may use deadly force when the officer reasonably believes such action is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.” “A law enforcement officer is under no obligation to retreat or desist when resistance is encountered or threatened. However, a law enforcement officer shall not resort to the use of deadly force if the officer reasonably believes that an alternative to the use of deadly force will avert or eliminate an imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm, and achieve the law enforcement purpose at no increased risk to the officer or another person.” Id.

NJBlue now | August / september 2014

Further, the Policy reminds law enforcement officers that the use of force should never been considered “routine” and, even when justified in using force, “the utmost restraint should be exercised.”

When deciding whether to use force, a law enforcement officer must be guided by “the principle that the degree of force employed in any situation should be only that reasonably necessary.” Further, the Policy mandates that “law enforcement officers should exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to the use of force.”

On the other side of the equation, a “private citizen may not use force to resist arrest by one he knows or has good reason to believe is an authorized police officer engaged in the performance of his duties, whether or not the arrest is illegal under the circumstances obtaining.” State v.

Koonce, 89 N.J.Super. 169, 184 (App. Div. 1965). This duty imposed on every citizen of our state also applies when the restraint by a police officer is for any lawful purpose.

Mulvihill, supra. “If, however, the citizen resists, the officer is not only justified in but has the duty of employing such force as is reasonably necessary to overcome the resistance and accomplish the arrest.” State v. Moriarity, 133 N.J.Super. 563, 573 (App. Div.), certif. denied, 68 N.J. 172 (1975).

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:3-4(b)(1)(a), use of force by a citizen is not justifiable to “resist an arrest which the actor knows is being made by a peace officer in the performance of his duties, although the arrest is unlawful, unless the peace officer employs unlawful force to effect such arrest.”

[Emphasis added.] Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2, a citizen cannot resist arrest even if the law enforcement officer was acting unlawfully in making the arrest, provided the officer was acting under color To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

of his official authority and provided that the law enforcement officer announces his intention to arrest prior to the resistance.

A citizen may protect himself/herself whenever the force applied is excessive and unnecessary. Id. at 157. A citizen must reasonably believe that the use of force is necessary to protect himself/herself from the officer’s excessive use of force. N.J.S.A. 2C:3–4a. “A right of self-defense, in this circumstance, however, may be exercised only if the repelling force is no greater than that which reasonably appears to be necessary and if submission to the excessive force would not end its use. Otherwise, the defense is forfeited.” Id. Thus, if an officer uses excessive or unnecessary force a citizen may respond or counter with the use of reasonable force to protect himself.

Mulvihill at 156.

However, a citizen’s right to protect himself/ herself in those circumstances is not unqualified. As explained by the New Jersey Supreme Court, a citizen cannot use greater force in protecting himself from an officer’s allegedly “unlawful” force than appears necessary under the circumstances, and a citizen loses the privilege of self-defense if he knows that if he submits to the officer, the officer’s excessive use of force will cease.

Id. at 157.

Whether to use deadly force or not is one of the most difficult decisions that any law enforcement officer may have to make in their career, and one that most officers hope that they will never have to make.

In addition to possible suspension and termination from employment, potential loss of pension and benefits, and the threat of a premature end to their chosen career, a law enforcement officer who uses

NJ LUENOW Magazine

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excessive force in effectuating an arrest can be charged criminally for everything from murder, manslaughter and assault to official misconduct. See N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2.

Also, numerous studies have been conducted, which have explored the negative emotional, psychological, and physical effects to law enforcement officers involved in shootings. In one such study, researchers found that, following a shooting, most officers suffered from “post-shooting trauma”—a form of post-traumatic stress disorder that often includes guilt, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. See Stratton, John G., David Parker, and John R. Snibbe, “Posttraumatic Stress: Study of Police Officers Involved in Shootings,” Psychological Reports, 55 (August 1984): 127–131. Thus, even when justified, a law enforcement officer’s decision to use deadly force can have serious negative consequences on the officer and his family, friends and co-workers.

As the tragic events of this summer have proved beyond any doubt, law enforcement officers in the 21st century can immediately be placed under a local, and even national, microscope with regard to the performance and public perception of their duties in the increasingly diverse and empowered communities in which they serve. Given the omnipresence of cell-phones with photographic and video capabilities, police conduct is now subject to constant, and often selective, public monitoring and dissemination. A law enforcement officer can go to work in the morning in normal anonymity and, by the end of his or her shift, be the subject of extensive local and national news coverage.

As the former British Prime Minister and

Bryce, son of delegate Richard Brown Monmouth County Corrections

We Are that interesting!

creator of the famous London Metropolitan Police Force, Sir Robert Peel, stated: “The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.” For all of the reasons discussed above, increased training and retraining of law enforcement officers in the legal use of force, diversity awareness, and community relations is crucial to ensure the safety of police officers and the citizens of our state, and to encourage the type of mutual respect and trust between officer and citizen that ultimately benefits all of society.

Matthew A. Peluso, Esq. is an attorney based in Princeton. He has over 20 years of experience in numerous types of complex litigation, including employment, insurance and business law. Mr. Peluso has successfully represented police officers in employment and contract disputes involving wrongful termination, failure to promote, race, gender and age discrimination, hostile work environment and whistle-blower actions. Mr. Peluso is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and George Washington University.

He can be reached at: (609) 306-2595. His e-mail address is: mpelusoesq@live.com. His experience can be reviewed on Linkedin.com and on his firm website: http://mpelusoesq. webs.com. The opinions expressed by Mr. Peluso in his article are not intended to provide legal advice. Anyone interested should consult a qualified attorney prior to making any significant employment or legal decision.

If you would like to submit stories, pictures, or suggestions, send us an email at:

info@njbluenow.com N JBlue now | August / september 2014

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training The New Jersey Narcotics Officers Association Al Camisa, President - NJNEOA

By Lt. Joseph Pangaro (Ret.)

All of us in law enforcement know quite well that communities around the country, and New Jersey in particular, are being decimated by the tsunami of heroin abuse.

The current level of addiction and death associated with this drug make the 1960’s look like a day at the park. We can see the extent of the problem when we add to the heroin situation the never ending new “designer” drugs that come on line every few days.

The importation and distribution of these drugs are out of control. Just by reading the stories in all of our local newspapers we can see that even though the number of arrests being made has gone up, the number of users and dealers seem endless. The number of young people dying every day is growing.

Our agencies try to respond, but we all know that in these tough economic times, our departments have to funnel their limited resources to our basic mission: street patrol and answering calls for service.

As many of you know, I am a professional trainer and among my course offerings are several programs focused on attacking the world of illegal drugs. My courses are well received, but by no means do they cover everyone for reasons from time to funds for training.

dedicated to fighting drugs in our state and country and the NJNEOA is a great weapon in our arsenal. I was honored to be asked to join the Board of Directors several years ago to help in this fight.

that to have the maximum effect upon the community, we need to reach out through all types of media available. That is why we have embarked towards offering online drug awareness education and training.

Such a valuable asset to all of us is the NJNEOA, that I reached out to the President of the organization, Al Camisa, to ask him some questions about the organization and to let you know what they are doing to help all of us fight the scourge of drugs across this state and the region and what they offer to YOU in your community.

You mentioned non-law enforcement people being part of the organization as “Associate Members”, what exactly is an Associate Member?

Associate Members of the NJNEOA are individuals from our communities who support the ideals and purpose of the NJNEOA. They want to fight the drug problem as much as we do and we welcome them.

Joseph Pangaro: Al, What is the NJNEOA and who are your members?

Al Camisa: The New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of both active and retired law enforcement officers and concerned non-law enforcement people (Associate Members) who have a common interest in the growing problem of drug use and abuse, along with a desire to keep updated in the constantly changing trends regarding manufacture, distribution and use of illegal drugs in our society today.

So what can an agency do to better prepare their cops to address the myriad of drug related crimes we are all facing, from big city environments to the smaller departments?

The New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association is one very potent answer.

Your position in the organization is that of President; how did you become the President and what are your responsibilities?

I originally joined the NJNEOA as a member in 1986. Then in 1990 I took a position on the Board of Directors. It was in 1999 that I became 3rd Vice-President and advanced through the various Vice-President positions, ultimately becoming President for the 2002-2003 term. In addition to becoming President, I became editor of the NJNEOA newsletter, as well as the Information & Technology Officer. I became the President again in 2012 and serve to the present time.

The NJNEOA has been around since 1965. It started in north Jersey and over the years it spread across the state, drawing membership from over 125 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. I joined as a new detective in 1995 and have been amazed at what they offer in the way of information, networking and training opportunities for members and associate members. I am

As President, it is my responsibility to ensure that the association continues to follow the purpose for which it was started; that is, to provide narcotics training to those in the law enforcement field, as well as drug awareness information to the community. I have made it a personal mission towards moving the NJNEOA into the world of technology.

In this age of the Internet, I truly believe

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

What are the goals of the NJNEOA? To offer the most current, informative and pertinent narcotic training to the law enforcement community, at an affordable price, which for members is free.

We also seek to reach the thousands of school age children who are susceptible to the influence of those distributing illicit drugs and educating them about the dangers that exist and the harm that can be caused from drug use and abuse. We also educate parents and teachers about the signs/symptoms and dangers that can affect those in their care.

What services or programs does the NJNEOA provide to the law enforcement community?

The NJNEOA offers three narcotics training seminars each year. They are held as follows: The 3rd Tuesday of October in South Jersey, 3rd Tuesday of February in North Jersey, and the 3rd Tuesday of April in Central Jersey. All three seminars are open to all law enforcement officers, from any state, free of charge. We try to cover the entire state and region by moving the programs around.

The NJNEOA also holds a four-day Narcotics Training Conference each June in Atlantic County, usually in Atlantic City. This conference is open to any law enforcement officer in the United States; members of the NJNEOA can attend free of charge. There is a forty-dollar charge for non-members of the NJNEOA. Here are some of the topics that we offered at this year’s conference: Synthetic Drug Threats, Mexican Drug Cartels, Heroin To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

Antidote Administration, Heroin Tracking, Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, and Criminal Interdiction & Street Development. The presenters were experienced professionals from various police agencies in New Jersey, California and Texas. The value of the training we offered compared to the cost of membership ($35 a year) is unbelievable and not found anywhere else at that price.

Detectives assigned to narcotics investigations units?

No, a General Membership in the NJNEOA is open to any active or retired law enforcement officer and an Associate membership is for anyone with an interest in curtailing drug use and abuse in our communities. Every cop should be a part of the organization since we’re all fighting drugs every day.

As a non profit, does the NJNEOA support any charities or community needs type of groups?

Yes, each year the NJNEOA hosts fundraising events to raise money for a different charity.

The charities vary, but usually are ones that have some type of involvement with children.

Past charities have been: The NJ Special Olympics, The Bees Foundation (Pediatric Brain Cancer), and The Raining Season (building an orphanage for children who are victims of the war in Sierra Leone). This year’s charity is “Hope House International,” a charity that finds families for orphans in Ukraine and builds homes for those families.

What value is there to the average street police officer or detective to be a member of the NJNEOA? A good portion of the training we offer is geared towards the average street officer. We provide them knowledge that will enhance their narcotic detection capability while performing their daily tasks no matter what their job is in the department.

How does the organization support the programs you run and the charities you support?

The NJNEOA solicits funds from individuals in the community. These monies pay for the overhead expenses of the organization, which include all costs incurred for: the web site, newspaper, hosting the training seminars, purchasing/updating and maintaining technological equipment, etc. A portion of that money is also delegated to the support of whichever charity is being aided that year.

In addition to simple solicitation, this year we hosted our 14th Annual Beach BBQ in Point Pleasant Beach at the end of July and on September 18th we will be hosting our 2nd Annual Cigar Night fundraising event on the Cornucopia Princess in Perth Amboy-there’s still time to come out and join us by the way. The monies generated from these events help offset the cost incurred by our Drug Awareness Program, as well as paying travel expenses for the out-of-state speakers at the annual training conference.

Another form of support is our membership dues payments; that, along with monies received from businesses who advertise on our website and in our magazine, is what gives the NJNEOA the ability to offer attendance for members to the annual conference free of charge.

Is your membership only for

For the new or seasoned detective, we provide them the latest trends in the world of drug use, as well as the most current methods being utilized by dealers conducting their illicit drug trade.

How does an officer join the NJNEOA and what does it cost?

All they need to do is visit our website: njneoa. org and use the membership link. From there they will see a “Join Us link.” The yearly fee is thirty-five dollars or ninety-dollars for three years--well worth all the free training that the Association offers them.

Your association has a web site and a magazine. Where can people find the site and magazine?

The NJNEOA website is located at njneoa.org.

Members receive eight digital newsletters, three quarterly digital news magazines and one printed deluxe news magazine. The printed version is our summer issue.

If an officer wanted to speak to someone, how could they make contact?

Simply visit our web site www.njneoa.org; there is a list of the Board of Directors along with contact information for each--they are all very happy to answer any questions or they can email me at editor@njneoa.org.

What would you want to say to a police officer reading this interview about the NJNEOA and why should he/she join your organization?

First, I would ask, where can you get four days of free, top of the line, narcotics training, a

monthly informational newsletter/magazine, access to free online training material and information, all for a mere thirty-five dollars dues fee?

Second, I would ask, are they concerned about the children in their own communities?

In addition to the law enforcement training aspect of the association, the drug awareness program outreach is really what it is all about; educating the youth of today about the dangers of illicit drug use will prevent tomorrow’s problems.

Do any official law enforcement authorities or agencies recognize the NJNEOA? Yes, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Narcotic Action Plan, along with the New Jersey State Chief of Police Association recognize the association, its work and its members.

I want to thank you, Al and the NJNEOA for answering my questions and bringing the association to the attention of the readers of NJ Blue Now. In conclusion, I would like to add this. I have conducted drug case investigations for over twenty-five years and the present drug problem is only going to get worse. Getting out there in every community, no matter how big, and fighting the dealers and users on the street is the only way we, the cops, are going to make a difference. The training and networking provided by the NJNEOA is one way we can all move ahead as one. I hope you look into this association, take advantage of the training offered and become a member today.

Lt. Joseph Pangaro retired after serving 27 years in law enforcement in a police department in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Pangaro is a graduate of the Certified Public Managers Program (CPM) through Fairleigh-Dickenson University and served his department as the Lead Training Officer.

He also writes a weekly newspaper column dedicated to helping his readers understand the rigors and joys of a career in law enforcement.

Joseph Pangaro is the CEO and President of Pangaro Management and Training and Management and Pangaro Global Training, an online training company. Contact Lt. Pangaro @JPangaro194@yahoo.com.

N JBlue now | August / september 2014

13

awareness

Against All Odds

By Nicole C. Richardson

A

pproximately nine percent of children are affected by speech disorders and Ken Teets, in his growing years, happened to be one of them.

Now, as an officer with the Newton Police Department, Teets shares his experience with a stigma that has followed him his whole life and what he did to overcome it regardless of the naysayers who stacked the odds against him to achieve his dreams.

The Growing Years

At five years old, it never occurred to Teets he may be a little different until he reached second grade. Suffering from a severe speech impediment shattered his self-esteem and resulted in being teased and bullied by his classmates from grade school to high school. For this reason, Teets had very few close friends who stood by his side.

“It was easier to make fun of me rather than get to know me. Kids didn’t want to be seen with me,” Teets said.

While in elementary school, the most terrifying time Teets described were the icebreakers where students had to go around the class and introduce themselves.

“I would sit there and be terrified thinking of excuses or start coughing or sneezing just so I wouldn’t have to say my name,” Teets said.

14

Teets stuttering issue would eventually compromise his academic ability labeling him as a “slow” learner. One example he recounted was the time it took— sometimes three to four minutes—to read a single sentence. “In the whole school system I think I was the only one who had a stutter.

It wasn’t common to the teachers. They just didn’t have the time,” explained Teets.

This made it easier for teachers to pretend he was not there. Rather than make adjustments to the schedule, teachers intentionally called on other students to read aloud causing Teets to be less engaged in class.

Homework soon became less of a priority because he knew no one would ask him to participate due to his supposed “learning disability.” Finally, he had reached a breaking point and wanted to give up on himself and school. By this time, Teets had become withdrawn and developed a fear of speaking in social situations. Teets speech continued to worsen, and he found himself meeting with untrained speech therapy teachers as he transitioned to high school.

“The class was a complete joke,” said Teets who at age 16 decided to take matters into his own hands and learn to control his speech impediment once and for all.

The King of Speech

Recommended to see Martin Schwartz, a prominent speech therapy doctor in New York City, became the pivotal moment that gave Teets his self-esteem back. Teets and nine other students met daily for group therapy sessions to learn Schwartz’s Passive Airflow technique. This approach, a traditional Japanese folk remedy for

NJBlue now | August / september 2014

© New Jersey Herald

stuttering children, helps to relax the vocal cords prior to speaking to prevent stuttering. Schwartz demonstrated to Teets how to apply the three components to controlling his speech which would involve the Passive Airflow method, slowing down the first syllable, and the ‘intent to rest,’ a mental trick that helps to divert the speaker from putting tension on the larynx when speaking.

In two weeks, Teets learned how to speak accurately again by participating in a series of exercises like calling people on the phone to ask for directions or reading aloud from menus at restaurants under the direction of Schwartz. “It’s a constant practice,” said Teets. “I was taught before I speak, at every second, to let air out then start talking.

That is what I have to remind myself.” Teets stated that if he forgot this cardinal rule that he believe he would start stuttering again.

Achieving the Dream

From a very young age Teets wanted to be like his father and become a police officer. After graduating from high school, he started a career as a paid firefighter at the age of 19 but still had the desire to be a cop. However, no one thought he was smart enough to do the job, not even family (Continued on page 49) To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

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interview

A Lesson in Patience and Perseverance

Officer

Dave Cuozzo

By Daniel Del Valle

O

n June 7th NJ Blue Now sat down with Officer Dave Cuozzo, who 6 months ago was diagnosed with a rare condition known as Transverse Myelitis. It has left him paralyzed and able to speak only in a very soft voice, but he is fighting every day to regain his lost mobility. During this interview he discusses his time on as an officer and what it’s like living with a condition like this. But most of all, he has a lot to teach us about patience, understanding and respect.

You are a quadriplegic, correct?

What are you diagnosed with?

Transverse Myelitis. It destroyed the sheeting that protected my spine. It’s a viral infection.

It affected pretty much everything from my shoulders down and my voice. The good thing is that it’s reversible.

When was the first time you found out you had this disease?

I was at the dentist’s office with my son. I felt pain in my chest and back and I thought I was having a heart attack. When I got home I felt such acute pain that I can’t describe it, so I called 911. I blacked out and woke up two or three days later in intensive care at the Morristown Medical Center.

NJBL: How long have you been an officer, how old were you when you joined and what is your age now?

Dave Cuozzo: I spent 18 years in Union Township, plus 2 years prior in Essex County.

I was 23 when I joined. I am 49 now and I’ll be 50 in September.

living like this. My family was supportive; they told me to hang in there because it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I can do it.

How many kids do you have?

I have four--three that are mine in college and a stepson I raised since he was two. I’m very, very close to them, especially my son.

Did you ever want to die?

At the beginning I thought about it. I wanted to be able to walk, to shoot a gun, drive and play with my kids. I wondered ‘why me’? I was pissed off.

How were the guys at work?

They were very supportive, too--they always came and visited me at the hospital. When the word got out about my new unfortunate position, the guys rallied, got stuff donated and helped set my house up to accommodate me. I was blown away. That’s one of the reasons I joined the PD—for the camaraderie.

You may not always get along, but when a guy needs help, they give it.

When you woke up your life was never the same? How did you realize that?

I didn’t know it at the time that I was paralyzed; they had me all doped up. Then I couldn’t feel my hands, couldn’t walk, and couldn’t control my arms. It was weird, because it felt like I was moving, but I looked at it and it wasn’t--such a How long were you in the hospital strange feeling. I had no sensation.

What made you go into law and when did you get out? enforcement?

I was at Morristown for two months on a How did you and your family I followed my big brother. He was a lieutenant react? feeding tube. In December, I went in just two and always told me stories about chasing bad I was all bent out of shape. I couldn’t imagine days before Christmas. I moved to West guys; it sounded like fun so I joined.

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

Orange where I started my rehab and I’ve been there for 3 months. I got out on June 15th, the day of my daughter’s prom.

Being in a hospital bed, what went through your mind over that many hours? Did you have any movement?

Like I said, I was pissed off. I didn’t understand why God would let this happen to me. You just have a lot of free time, so you tell yourself you have to buckle down, because that’s where change happens. I was completely paralyzed.

My head controlled my wheelchair. It was the only thing I had control of. Now I can control it with my hand.

Talk to me about something basic, like scratching an itch.

I couldn’t do it. I had to wait for someone to come and then say ‘could you scratch my ear, please?’ I couldn’t hold food either so they had to feed me. It was hard, because I’m kind of a control freak. It was embarrassing, but eventually you get over it.

How do you see things differently today?

First of all, I was taking prescription medicine for a while--I had psoriasis. The doctor thinks that medication may have caused the Transverse Myelitis; no one is sure how it goes into the system. If I had to do it again, I would look at alternative medicines, natural stuff. I used to think it was a bunch of crap, but maybe it’s not. The expensive psoriasis medicine was working, but there was a 1% chance you can develop Transverse Myelitis.

I was that 1%.

Is there anything you used to look at and wonder now why you stressed over such little things?

Oh yeah. Sometimes I’d get bent out of shape about something at the office, but you know what, now it’s like, what the hell are we arguing about? It’s not important.

Describe a day in your life today and do you eat normal food now?

Well, my wife she helps put me to bed at night and helps change me. In the morning, around 8 o’clock she helps move me if I need it. Then my wife checks my blood. She’ll get my medicine ready, makes my breakfast and feeds me. Yes, thank God, I eat normal food now.

I know you’re Italian and Italians love to eat. Do you still want to

eat your spaghetti and meatballs?

[Laughs]. My appetite disappeared in the hospital, but it’s back now, though I can’t eat like I used to. You could bring me ten hotdogs and I used to put them away like nothing.

So everything is a process and what’s bad about your life today?

Yes, even brushing my teeth is a process. I can do it, but not very well. I can’t walk, drive a car and do the things I used to like to do. But I’m glad that I’m alive. I see improvements and I hope this won’t be like this forever; but if it is, then it is.

What has this taught you and what is your biggest fear today?

Not to sweat the small stuff. That stuff doesn’t matter. I want to enjoy my family and my friends while I have them. My biggest fear is that I won’t get back to where I was. If this is it, this is it, but I wouldn’t like it.

What are you hopeful for? What is the perfect scenario?

Over time, with the proper rehab, that I could return to 100%.

Because I like to be direct, I’m looking at your situation, and obviously we all have barriers to overcome, but do you think it’s unrealistic for you to be able to be where you were before? And if it doesn’t work out, are you ready to handle anything less?

I am. If this is it, so be it. About the other part of your question, the doctors think there is a very good chance of recovery. The good thing is that my condition is reversible.

What advice do you have for your brothers and sisters in blue today?

Get out there and be open-minded. Don’t be so quick to take prescription drugs to cure you sicknesses.

A lot of officers today believe that the worst part of the day is the people they work with at times. What would you tell any officer today that’s in that situation?

To knock it off. You must take care of each other because no one else is going to do it.

Just remember, the guy that you’re gossiping about might be the guy that saves your life one day.

What have you learned from your officers and the support they have given?

Everyone from the top down has been fantastic, from the chief to the guys on the street. If I need something, they’re there for me. Like you said, there’s a lot of that petty stuff, but at the end of the day, everyone came together around me and my family and it’s much appreciated.

What do you want to say to your officers that helped you and your family?

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You guys really stepped up and helped me out.

This house was totally unfit for a wheelchair, and you made it happen.

What would you like to tell your wife when she reads this?

I want to tell her that I love her. She’s been a rock for me. I appreciate what she’s done and I know it’s hard for her.

Any message to the new officers coming in?

Don’t forget where you came from. Do the job, but remember every case is different.

Sometimes you have to be lenient and understanding.

Officers who read this are going to feel sorry for you. When it comes to pity, how do you feel?

I don’t want pity. I just have to deal with it and work hard to get back to where I was. And if it doesn’t happen, I’m still a lucky man.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as being a decent guy; that I cared for people and my family; that I did the right thing; and I was patient and understanding.

What message would you like to tell your kids?

That I love them very much and that I’m glad to be here with them.

The Friends of Dave Cuozzo Committee is holding a Fundraiser for Officer Cuozzo on Saturday, September 6, 2014, from 2 to 8 pm at the Knights of Columbus, 1034 Jeanette Avenue in Union, NJ. For additional information contact Maureen Renna (908-591-4866) or Anthony Cavallo (908-601-3944).

N JBlue now | August / september 2014

17

inside view

DID YOU KNOW…?

Interesting Things within the Law Enforcement Community You Probably Didn’t Know

By Officer Eddie Molina

S

ometimes we look at our jobs and rarely think about the facts, meanings and history behind many of the things we do.

Having an authoritative, law enforcing entity within a society has been around for centuries. And over the course of time, traditions, procedures and common practices have developed. It put us in a position today where we don’t really think about the things we do; we just go out and do them.

I recently had an experience that had me thinking about how certain things ‘come to be.’ My wife gets a piece of mail every month that I always see but never inquired about until last week. The return address was titled ‘The Call Box’, along with the corresponding address. So one afternoon I asked her, “What is this mail you always get from The Call Box?” She proceeded to tell me the mail is from a retired police organization known as ‘The Call Box.’ My next question was an obvious one, why do they call themselves that?

She reminded me that decades ago there were no cars or handheld radios. In New Brunswick, along with many other urban NJ departments, if a police officer needed to reach headquarters there were designated ‘call boxes’ throughout the area that officers can use. As we talked more about it, she added that once radios did become available, officers on foot patrol often flagged down taxicabs in order to use their radio to reach HQ. Officers sometimes hitched a ride in the cab to respond to another part of the city if time 18

was of the essence.

I found that interesting.

So now they call themselves ‘The Call Box’ to represent the age, history and tradition of retired police officers.

That had me thinking about all the other traditions, names and things that symbolize something or someone, as well as all the unusual contemporary practices of other departments. So I did a little research and found interesting facts, figures, and information about anything law enforcement related.

evidence suggesting the term was not derived from old uniforms that had copper buttons or badges, or that it’s an acronym for ‘constable on patrol.’ That is more folklore.

General consensus on the origin of ‘cop’ however, suggests that the term is based more on the policeman’s job than on his clothing or job title. In Latin, the verb capere can be defined as “to capture.”

In French, the verb is caper. “To cop” in English is to seize or to take, and this defines some of what a police officer does: he or she seizes or takes crooks or stops their crime “capers.” (www.wisegeek.com).

Below is a list of things you may or may not have already known. You can then impress your colleagues with rarely known, often misunderstood information and look like the coolest person in the room.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Origin of the word Police: The word ‘police’ stems from the Greek word ‘politeia’ meaning, state, administration, government. In Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales we find the word ‘policie’ meaning organized government, civil administration. Later in about 1589 we find the French word ‘policer’ meaning to keep order. The first recorded use in English of ‘police’ in specific reference to those concerned with enforcing the law and maintaining public order is found in about 1730 in Scotland. (www.Etymology. com)

The origin of the term COP: After doing extensive research, there is strong

NJBlue now | August / september 2014

Image courtesy of Fox Searchlight.

From the movie Super Troopers.

olice in India get paid 30 rupees P more per month if they grow mustaches. The police chief in the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh devised the new moustache option believing that it gives officers a better command presence and an improved perception of power.

However, the chief routinely inspects the moustaches to ensure they do not seem too intimidating or aggressive.

During the past ten years, incidents that resulted in felonious fatalities occurred more on Thursday than any other To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

day of the week. The fewest number occurred on Tuesday. Can you think of any particular reason for this, or perhaps it is just a coincidence? (www.nleomf.org)

States. He was shot while making an arrest on January 3rd, 1791.

If you wanted to escape from a prison in Germany, you may do so without penalty if you fail to escape. Germany believes it is basic human instinct to be free. Therefore, you shouldn’t be punished for something you can’t control. However, there is a jail sentence of up to 5 years for helping someone escape. (www.omgfacts.com)

British police officers carry a teddy bear in their patrol cars to help console children after an accident. In the UK, the vehicle driven is specific to the officer’s official duties.

They have different vehicles for different situations.

The Officer Down Memorial page lists Constable Darius Quimby of the Albany County (NY) Constable’s Office as the first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in the United

A town in Brazil has jail convictpowered streetlights. A single high security prison in Brazil began a pilot program for clean energy. Stationary bikes are rigged up to car batteries to generate

power. The inmates get one day reduced from their sentence for every 16 hours of pedaling.

Now mind you, it is important to understand it is often difficult to prove the origination of any known historical facts. So you can decide for yourself what to believe when looking up information. Usually the combination of several different sources leads to a relatively accurate assessment.

These are just a few of the rarely known, interesting tidbits of law enforcement. So, next time you come across something odd, be it a policy, procedure or ‘just the way it is’, think about how that came to be. You might be quite surprised as to why and how it ended up that way.

Writer Eddie Molina is an Officer with the NJ Department of Corrections and an Officer with the NJ Army National Guard.

He specializes in Organizational Leadership and blogs about it at www.

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up close

BREAK IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

By P.O. Jay Martinez, Deputy SWAT Commander, Certified Tactical and Academy Instructor

H

ere’s a definition of police militarization: “The process whereby civilian police increasingly draw from, and pattern themselves around, the tenets of militarism and the military model.” [from Peter Kraska, Militarization and Policing—Its Relevance to 21st Century Police, Policing (2007) 1 (4) 1-13 (Jan. 1, 2007).]

four among a slew of reckless programs.”

As a police community are we headed into the direction of militarizing our organizations? Unless you live under a rock, I am sure you were watching the ordeal that was unfolding in Ferguson, Missouri, all stemming from an 18-year old teenager shot and killed by a local police officer. As I sat down, pondered and wrote this article, the facts had not been made public as to ‘why’.

One would agree that we must sensitively acknowledge that as a police community we should not become overly aggressive with our tactics and presentation. As trained professionals we agree that we must balance the fine line of readiness and community partnership. The secret to this is to know when, where and how to utilize these military assets intended to drastically improve a police department’s safety and overall operational objectives.

The foreseeable fear of the public has been labeled systematic. Consider the following progression according to Radley Balko, author of “Rise of the Warrior Cop.” “Today’s armored-up policemen are a far cry from the constables of early America.

The unrest of the 1960s brought about the invention of the SWAT unit—which in turn led to the debut of military tactics in the ranks of police officers. Nixon’s War on Drugs, Reagan’s War on Poverty, Clinton’s COPS program, the post–9/11 security state under Bush and Obama: by degrees, each of these innovations expanded and empowered police forces, always at the expense of civil liberties. And these are just 22

Well, as we read that analogy one would agree that separately each continuum possessed its own basis for seeping into the concepts of American policing. The officer and the citizen carry the burden of why tactics, equipment and policing strategies continuously adapt to modern times.

The Defense Department’s excess property program known as the 1033 program was initiated in 1997. It was primarily designated as a ‘war on drugs’ type of program and has issued out over 4.3 billion dollars of equipment since its origin.

But yet, each defining American policing moment or historical action never possessed a knee-jerk response to bulk up its tactical prowess as many critics would have us believe. Each was a well sought out and deeply probed solution that ultimately was enveloped by community care takership and the preservation of life. Consider what spawned the American SWAT. The

NJBlue now | August / september 2014

Watts Riot was a six-day race riot in which: 34 perished, 1,032 injured, 3,438 arrested and 40 million in property damage was sustained. This dark period in American history not only sparked the civil rights movement, but also pushed the LAPD to consider new unit tactics, training and improved equipment. The antithesis of this was to ignore the carnage and despair and allow insanity to prevail. In other words, doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.

Soon after the 1986 FBI Miami shootout when two Special Agents were killed, five others injured and two robbery suspects also killed grew the need for more effective stopping power. Seven Special Agents shot a total of 77 rounds but were easily outgunned by two highly trained and powerfully equipped robbery suspects.

On average, the robbers (Platt and Mattix) trained by shooting 2,000 rounds weekly during target practice. That day they shot a total 50 rounds mostly .223 caliber. Soon after, many departments adopted higher capacity weapon systems and American law enforcement firearms training took on a revamping process. Like I had mentioned, tactics and equipment mandatorily change to address our modern times. If we do not facilitate and welcome these advancements, then innocent lives are lost.

More than any other criminal episode in American history, the 1997 North Hollywood shootout purely and decisively demonstrated that perhaps the weapons To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

YOUR TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE FOR SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING systems and armored personnel carriers in program 1033 have a place in our society. Ala, “break in case of extreme emergencies”. That day a total of 2,000 (mostly armor piercing) rounds were exchanged by robbers and police; 11 Sheepdogs and seven citizens were injured and two robbers were killed. Furthermore, officers were found scrambling for AR15’s to equate firepower, and more importantly, range.

Like anything else in the fabric of our nation, the media and the silver screen play a pivotal role in the over glamorization of the progress of militarizing certain aspects of police work. Movies such as SWAT, Bad Boys, Hitman and Batman all depict modern police tactical units as the equivalent of U.S. Army Rangers.

Clearly we are not. Ask any former military and present police officer who served on a military line unit and you will get a narrow response: The police are not the U.S. Marines, SEALS or the Army Rangers; nor do we want to be. The citizens that we serve and protect are not our enemies--they are our neighbors, teachers, coaches, clergy and family.

By suggesting that the police are purportedly attempting to militarize itself to create an ominous threat to the public is an inflammatory statement. We shun the idea that we, as a police community, desire to roll LAV’s and officers in full TAC gear down Main Street America. The equipment that the 1033 program affords us are solely tools that allow us to perform a very complex function

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with higher precision and little room for error with pinpoint precision. Ask any worldwide artisan about their tools and they will easily state, ‘I can only get the job completed correctly with the right tools. Anything else would create the allure of amateur like performance and ultimately would lead to the demise of the task at hand.’

In closing, the critics who undeniably fail to do their homework in regards to officer safety (291 killed annually and 10,000 assaulted) need to do their homework before clamoring to demilitarize the police. In the thousands of instances where this same type of equipment has been used silently to apprehend an armed fugitive or quell a deadly force situation with no glitches while the common public slept quietly in their beds was no accident.

To Mr. and Mrs. Critic, do not forget that somewhere in that LAV under that Kevlar helmet and behind that ballistic shield stands a human being.

A father, mother, sister, brother who has the same right to health, safety and hope for the future as an every day citizen. The police are not expendable. Police have a job to do--a very complex job. These tools, when properly utilized, simply save lives.

Stay safe, Ooorah!

Side note: First Responder Prayer Breakfast, 0900-1200 hrs., Saturday, September 13, 2014, 205 Smith St. Perth Amboy, NJ O8861. Any questions, email me at: Jay.martinez0321@gmail.com.

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Are you sleeping alone again tonight?

snoring can have many causes, the most common being obstructive sleep apnea (osa). it is estimated that 70% of the people who snore loudly suffer from this condition.

Obstructive sleep sleep ApneA ApneA Obstructive (OSA) is is recognized recognized as as repeated repeated (OSA) episodes of of cessation cessation in in breathing breathing episodes during sleep. sleep. This This happens happens because because during our muscles muscles relax relax during during sleep sleep and and our then gravity gravity pulls pulls the the airway airway closed. closed. then Momentary suffocation suffocation develops develops Momentary producing excessive excessive stress stress on on the the producing body. body. Some Some common common signs signs of of sleep sleep apnea apnea are are excessive excessive daytime daytime sleepiness, loud or disruptive snoring, gasping sleepiness, loud or disruptive snoring, gasping or or choking choking during during sleep, sleep, depression depression and and irritability. irritability.

OSA OSA can can cause cause memory memory loss, loss, headaches, headaches, irritability, irritability, depression, sexual dysfunction, and depression, sexual dysfunction, and impaired impaired concentration. concentration.

Sufferers Sufferers are are at at higher higher risk risk of of stroke, stroke, heart heart attacks, attacks, congestive congestive heart heart failure, failure, hypertension, hypertension, and and are are most most likely likely to to be be involved involved in in accidents accidents at at the the workplace workplace or or while while driving. driving. They They are are twice twice as as likely likely to to die die in in their their sleep. sleep. If If left left untreated, untreated, their their life life expectancy is is 55.

55. expectancy The good good news news is, is, there there are are solutions solutions available, available, and and the the The sooner you you or or aa loved loved one one takes takes the the steps steps to to get get screened, screened, sooner tested and and treated, treated, the the better better the the outcome. outcome. By By taking taking action, action, tested patients’ sleep sleep problems problems will will be be aa nightmare nightmare of of the the past past as as patients’ they not not only only improve improve the the restfulness restfulness and and length length of of their their they sleep, but but also also their their overall overall health health and and quality quality of of life. life. sleep,

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ry o t s r e v o c

Service&

By Captain Donna Roman Hernandez (Ret.)

Sacrifice

“It’s not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” ~Vivian Eney Cross - quote etched at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

P

olice officers know all too well the risks associated with the job and its unpredictability. An officer’s personal safety could be jeopardized at anytime by anyone.

New Jersey law enforcement officers are still grieving the senseless and tragic loss of Jersey City Police Detective Melvin Santiago and Waldwick Police Officer Christopher Goodell, two dedicated police officers killed in the line of duty in mid-July, one within days of the other, both while performing the duties of their ‘dream’ jobs.

They served their communities with valor and distinction and made the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of others.

DETECTIVE MELVIN SANTIAGO JERSEY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

In the early morning hours of July 13, 2014, Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Santiago was ambushed and gunned down after responding to a report of an armed robbery call at a 24hour Walgreens located at Communipaw Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. Prior to the shooter’s rampage, a witness alleged this lone male told him to watch the news because he was going 24

to be ‘famous’. The responding Jersey City police officers ended this shooter’s cowardice savagery… and his life, averting the potential loss of other police officers.

It appears that the shooter planned the fatal attack after physically assaulting and disarming a security officer inside the store.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop shared Jersey City’s grief with the media saying “Melvin was an officer who represented everything one would want to see in a police officer. It’s a tragic situation when any officer is killed in the line of duty.”

Santiago was hired by the Jersey City Police Department in 2013. He loved Jersey City and often spoke about making a difference in the community where he was raised and attended school. In 2008, he was one of three Hudson County high school seniors to earn the New Jersey Rising Scholar Award. He studied criminal justice at Hudson County Community College and wanted to be a positive role model for his younger brother.

A National Honor for a Local Fallen Hero

On July 16th a flag delivery was arranged for by the National Coalition of Latino Officers and the Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association. The United States Honor Flag was transported from

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the Dallas/Ft.Worth area to Newark Liberty International Airport for use during Officer Santiago’s funeral. This ‘treasure’ first flew in 2001 during the recovery efforts at ground zero in NYC. Since then, the flag has traveled more than 6 million miles and to over a thousand events, including those honoring fallen police officers, firefighters and members of the United States Armed Forces.

Antonio Hernandez, President of the National Coalition of Latino Officers said, “We are proud to be a part of the Honor Flag’s journey to acknowledge Melvin’s memory. The entire NCLO family is deeply saddened and mourns the loss of Officer Melvin Santiago, a member of the Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association and National Coalition of Latino Officers.

Officer Santiago will be greatly missed and we join with the Jersey City Police Department, his family, his friends and the entire Jersey City community during this difficult time. Officer Santiago’s bravery and commitment to honorably serve will never be forgotten.” Jeffrey Rodriguez, the 2nd Vice President of the Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association added, “We are honoring our brother, Melvin Santiago, for his valor and service to Jersey City and our Association. He would be proud to see how we are honoring his memory and is smiling upon us.”

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JCPD Officer Frank De Fazio & Officer Santiago

A Community Mourns

Santiago’s death stunned his family, friends, the Jersey City Police Department and community, and New Jersey law enforcement officers. During his wake, Officer Santiago was posthumously promoted to Detective and awarded a City Medal of Honor. The day of his funeral his Jersey City Police brothers and sisters marched in unison from the funeral home to the church, the procession moving between a sea of blue. Thousands of law enforcement officers lined the streets from parts near and far and mourners from all walks of life stood to bid farewell with final salutes to Detective Melvin Santiago, his coffin draped with the 9/11 United States Honor Flag. Santiago was passionately eulogized by his Uncle Frank De Fazio who spoke of Melvin’s love for his family and dedication to the job. Thereafter, Santiago was laid to rest--such a young life ended in a senseless tragedy caused by a depraved thug hell-bent on ‘gangster recognition’.

young boy he was taught the difference between right and wrong and the importance of character, integrity and good values. Mel grew up to become the man that he was because of the unconditional love, comfort and support he received from his grandmother Catherine, grandfather Vincent and his aunts, uncles and cousins. They inspired him to stay out of trouble, study hard in school and aim high to be the best that he could be.

Mel was the perfect son to his mother Cathy and a great mentor and best friend to his younger brother Alex, who looked up to his 6’2” police officer brother who was larger then life in his eyes. ‘Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking’ and that is how Mel lived his life as a polite, respectful and compassionate young man; he had an unselfish heart!

On July 18th thousands of people in Hudson County and around our nation left their porch “lights on’ to remember Detective Melvin Santiago, a fitting tribute for a ‘bright light’ dimmed too soon.

Remembering Melvin

Mel will always be remembered as the little boy who lifted up your spirits with a big smile he always had on his face. As a

Upon graduation from the Police Academy in December of 2013, Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Vincent Santiago #2650 had the opportunity to be assigned to the prestigious East District Precinct, which included the wealthy neighborhoods along the Hudson River waterfront overlooking Manhattan. Instead, Officer Santiago made a special request to be assigned to the West District Precinct of the JCPD, considered to be one of the most violent police precincts within the State of New Jersey.

As his Uncle and as a police officer, Melvin wanted to follow in my footsteps. I was assigned to the West District 14 years ago and had recently been re-assigned back to the West District station house. One month after he graduated the police academy, I passed the torch to the new Centurion and retired from the Jersey City Police Department.

Retired Jersey City Police Officer Frank De Fazio took Melvin under his wing at a young age, tutoring him about life and manhood.

In his own words, DeFazio shares his emotional feelings about his beloved nephew: Officer Melvin Vincent Santiago overcame many obstacles early in his life. Growing up in Jersey City where crime and drugs are prevalent, Mel also had to deal with the difficulties of being raised by a single mother. It would seem that the odds were against him to succeed in life, but Mel had one thing he could always count on… his family.

a police officer patrolled the streets of the West District; and Vincent De Fazio, a Corrections Officer and member of their elite Special Operations Group.

Through hard work Mel excelled academically. He graduated at the top of his high school class and was accepted at Seton Hall University, earning a scholarship for his academic and athletic achievements.

He had several family members in law enforcement that he looked up to as role models: He looked up to me as I recently finished up a 26-year career with the Jersey City Police Department and worked alongside my nephew Mel in the West District; Detective Joseph Roselle who as

Melvin Vincent Santiago was everything you would want in a rookie patrolman.

He was smart, dedicated and enthusiastic about being a police officer. Weeks before

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cover story Det. Santiago’s ‘end of watch’ came on July 13, 2014, he was offered re-assignment to a specialized plainclothes unit. His response was the proper one for a rookie patrolman with only 6 months on the job, “I appreciate the offer, but I like patrol and need to get a little more time and experience under my belt.” That was the right answer--not many would have passed up such an opportunity to stay in uniform.

His police career was tragically cut short; he may have only been a patrolman for 7 months, but Melvin loved every minute of being a cop and patrolling the West District streets of Jersey City.

I’d like to share a few passages from the eulogy I delivered at Melvin’s funeral: If you are listening kid, don’t think for a single moment that you disappointed me or let me down. I am very proud of you as a police officer. YOU made the ultimate sacrifice. It was my honor, Detective Santiago, to walk alongside your footsteps--with you—as a West District cop and a Brother in Blue!

OFFICER CHRISTOPHER GOODELL WALDWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT

On July 17, 2014, Waldwick Police Officer Christopher Goodell was killed in the line of duty while running radar on state highway Route 17 when a tractortrailer rear-ended his police vehicle. Officer Goodell served on the Waldwick Police Department for five years and is the first Waldwick police officer to die in the line of duty.

This horrific tragedy has shattered the tightknit community of Waldwick, New Jersey, with many residents asking why this happened to such a likeable, upbeat person who loved his family, gave back to his community and served his country as a Marine and his hometown as a police officer. One resident shared with me that “It’s never good when a police officer is killed, but it hurts really bad when it’s a hometown neighbor and son.”

A 2000 graduate of Waldwick High School, Goodell decided to join the Marines after the September 11th terrorist attacks upon our country.

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Waldwick Police Officer Dave Passaretti, President of the Allendale/Waldwick PBA Local 217, spoke about his colleague, “Chris and I were hired by the Waldwick Police Department in 2009. From the start, Chris was the most dedicated and professional officer and member of PBA Local 217. His love of the job could not be matched and he was the only person I knew who had a smile on his face every day before the shift started. His contribution to the department will never be duplicated and his loss will be felt for years to come.

He set an example that every police officer should strive to attain.”

Nicole and Christopher

A Final Salute

The United State Honor Flag made another journey in New Jersey, from the Jersey City Police Department to the Waldwick Police Department for Officer Goodell’s funeral. At his wake, Officer Goodell’s casket was driven under a flag through his hometown where he lived and worked. At least one thousand mourners gathered at St. Luke’s Church in Ho-Ho-Kus for his funeral, including law enforcement officers from New Jersey and out of state. Due to the massive turnout of mourners and law enforcement officers, a giant screen and sound system were installed in the lot next to the church so everyone could view the funeral. Amidst an enormity of grief and emotion, a helicopter flyover paid tribute to Goodell as hundreds stood at attention near the site of his burial in St. Luke’s Cemetery, giving final salutes to a hometown hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Remembering Christopher

In their own words, Officer Goodell’s family shares their memories with us:

Nicole Priestner:

Christopher and I were inseparable growing up and I loved him so much. I was his older sister, but I looked up to him as a big brother. No one could ever fill his shoes; I was so proud of him. He was my best friend.

He was so amazing and had so much ambition and motivation. I never missed any of his graduations, from pre-school to becoming a Marine, to graduating from the police academy--I had to be there. I knew I could always count on him if I needed him and he felt the same way about me. My kids adored him.

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He always had a smile on his face and was quite the clown. If you were in a bad mood, he would turn it around with a facial gesture. Christopher knew how to make people laugh. I could never be mad at him and he never held a grudge. There are only good memories of Christopher. Our lives revolved around him.

Mark Goodell:

My son loved to fix stuff. At age 16, he bought a 1966 F100 pickup truck and we started restoring it. We would paint one part, fix the engine and upholster a seat; it remained a work in progress as life got in the way and things that Christopher wanted to do in 1999 were replaced with his career goals.

Now I hope to get it ready for the upcoming Memorial Day parade in honor of my son.

Just a month before the accident, all of our family was celebrating his engagement to his fiancé Jillian when he proposed to her at their favorite restaurant and gave her a beautiful engagement ring. Everyone was looking forward to their wedding, the house-hunting, Christopher and Jillian starting a family…

A simple card and the way a person writes to you can make a difference in the way you feel.

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Someone gave me a quote from an unknown author that was written inside a sympathy card I received during my son’s funeral: “The greatest gift we can give to those who have left us is to live fully in their place.” Both my daughter and I carry that quote with us wherever we go. It means so much to us and we will try to live life like Christopher did.

Patricia Goodell:

My son was a Waldwick ‘hometown boy’ who adored his family. As a little boy, Christopher worked at the local nursery in town and as a teenager, he worked at the local hardware store after school and on weekends. He always had a smile on his face, never complained, treated everyone fairly and loved helping people. Everyone loved Christopher. He was such an incredible, loving son.

Post 9/11, Christopher joined the Marines and became a Navigator on a C-130 transport plane. Luckily for us, he was stationed at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York and could come home on weekends when he wasn’t flying missions. He was so proud to be a Marine and we were so proud of him. He was deployed to Iraq for three months during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He traveled all over the world. At one point he even traveled to Alaska, delivering toys for the Marine Toys for Tots program. Christopher met so many people in his travels and did so much good in the 5 years of active duty. For three years after that, he was in the reserves and that’s when he made the decision to become a police officer. But he wanted to stay in his hometown of Waldwick.

He became a police dispatcher in Waldwick and two years later, he went to the police academy and got offered a position as a Waldwick Police Officer. Christopher loved being a police officer and going to work every day. We were all so proud of him and loved

him being a police officer in the town he grew up in. I was told he was the life of the department. He always strived to be the best at everything he did. He was a role model for the younger kids in town as well as his niece, Patti Ann. When he and his fiancé Jillian got engaged in June, we were all so happy and couldn’t wait for the wedding. Life seemed so perfect. He had a great career, wonderful fiancé, loving friends and family.

Christopher & his fiance Jillian

Police Unity Tour, “Everyone who wears a badge suffers with the families and brother and sister officers who served with our fallen heroes. We owe it to them to serve with honor and integrity! We must support each other in the grieving and we must never relinquish hope in our Lord and our sacred call to serve.”

The Goodell Family:

How could this tragedy have happened to us, to that boy, that man, that wonderful kind- loving person? We are all heartbroken.

His funeral was the most awe-inspiring, incredible thing to see; the showing of love and respect by the townspeople, the police, all those who served, circling around the church, comforting and protecting us.

We found so much strength in seeing all of his fellow officers at the funeral. We heard so many stories about Christopher from the other police officers; one from a Marine who stood guard over his coffin, to several residents saying how many lives Christopher saved. For sure Christopher was not afraid to sacrifice and help other people and do what was right for his family, friends and his community.

Christopher will be forever in our hearts… he was our Hero.

Editor’s note: NJ Blue Now extends our condolences to the Santiago and Goodell families and the Jersey City and Waldwick Police Departments.

Captain Donna Roman Hernandez (ret.) is the Managing Editor of NJ Blue Now magazine and the host of Tough Justice live stream talk radio show @ www.ddvradio. com and The Jersey Beat blog talk radio @ www.thejerseybeat. blogspot.com.

She is the owner of Blue Force Films, LLC and may be contacted by email at salsacop446@ hotmail.com or www. blueforcefilms.com.

It’s fitting to end with a quote from retired Sergeant Greg Boyle, the Chaplain of the N JBlue now | August / september 2014

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A Final Salute

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DETECTIVE MELVIN SANTIAGO

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A Final Salute

Officer Christopher Goodell

Photo credits: Vincent J. D’Amico

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Det. Sgt.

Toni Latario Warren County Prosecutor’s Office

LEADING THE CHARGE

By Captain Donna Roman Hernandez (Ret.)

“It’s been my honor helping the people in Warren County working in the Special Victims Unit. The greatest feeling for me is knowing that I have made a difference in someone else’s life.” Det. Sgt. Toni Latario

D Physical Training Award, 1992 Graduation John Stamler Police Academy

et. Sgt. Toni Latario is a seasoned investigator and advocate for victims of child abuse and sexual assault and a trailblazer who mentors and motivates ‘women in blue’ to achieve their career goals in law enforcement.

Latario began her law enforcement career as a Prosecutor’s Agent in the Juvenile Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, preparing cases for juvenile trials. One year later, she moved on with her career, working as a Special Investigator with the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Community Affairs, conducting investigations for the Professional Occupational Boards.

In 1991, she passed the FBI entrance examination but due to a hiring freeze, her dream job was put on hold. Latario recalled “I was devastated that happened. Back then the FBI testing for Special Agents was stringent and the process was very long.

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While waiting for that employment, I took Police Officer Civil Service tests and chose the Plainfield Police Department as my preference to work because I grew up there and love that city. I basically wanted a ‘plan B’ in the event the FBI didn’t work out. I’m glad I did because a few weeks after being notified of the FBI hiring freeze, Plainfield called inquiring if I wanted to get into the next academy class. I took that opportunity to get on the job; my thinking was I would get the street experience in a tough city, working in patrol and doing undercover work in narcotics. My hope was that one day the FBI would call and admire my background working in such a tough city. I couldn’t believe two years later, on the same day I accepted the job with the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI New York Field Office called inquiring if I was still interested. I opted not to pursue that career path.”

A 1992 John H. Stamler Police Academy graduate, Latario received the Physical Training Award and credits the instructors there for influencing her to become a police academy instructor. After two years of patrol experience, she left Plainfield to work for the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office;

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her first assignment was in undercover narcotics. Less than a year later, Latario was assigned to the Special Victims Unit where she remained for approximately 16 years.

Latario reminisced, “I developed good relationships within the office and was hired with another female, Susan MethfesselLazorsiak, who came from a federal agency.

We were the first two female officers on the Warren County Tactical Entry Team and we bonded immediately. We later worked together in the Special Victims Unit. Our friendship is a long lasting one; she is one of my closest friends. We can ask each other’s opinion about matters most can’t possibly understand--that’s because we have lived it together.”

SUPERVISING & TRAINING

Currently, there are 26 Detectives and 13 Prosecutors in the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office. Latario has worked in every unit in this office, including Major Crimes, Special Victims Unit, Domestic Violence, Juvenile and Community Policing Units. “It’s been my honor helping the people of Warren County working in the Special Victims Unit, knowing that I have made a difference in someone else’s life. Nothing gives me as much pleasure as To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

victims calling and telling me how well they are doing. There are quite a few that are still in contact with me.” Latario is currently the supervising detective of the Domestic Violence, Juvenile and Community Policing Units; the Human Trafficking Liaison for Warren County; and serves as the Bias Crime Officer for Warren County. She assigns cases to detectives as well as investigates her own. She trains and supervises office detectives as well as college interns.

agencies. “On March 26, 2012, the Warren County 911 Communications Center received numerous calls from an unknown caller claiming to identify himself as 19year old “Kevin McGowan.” The caller indicated that he was in the vicinity of the Hackettstown High School with an AK47 and was threatening to kill students.

This investigation prompted numerous law enforcement agencies to respond and schools in the area went into lock down mode. The majority of detectives in my office were working this investigation in one capacity or another, however on April 19, 2012, I was assigned as Lead Investigator on this case. By the end of June 2012, with the assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), the

county/express-times/index.ssf/2013/07/ south_korean_man_charged_with.html

REACHING HER GOALS

During our interview Latario felt comfortable enough to reveal that she was a high school dropout. “My parents split up when I was a teen and there wasn’t any money. My high school closed down at the end of my junior year. It just made sense to help my family by quitting school and working to help my mother support me and my two younger siblings. Only having a GED, my first job was working in a diaper factory. Then we lost our house and were homeless for a while. Fortunately, extended family members stepped up to give us a hand, but I must admit there was a certain amount of shame growing up during those rough times. I realize that those experiences made me more sensitive to others who are in similar situations.

I had a goal, but I didn’t know how I was going to attain it. I am a firm believer that these experiences shaped who I was as an officer responding to calls and later as a detective working investigations.”

For six years, Latario represented the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office working as a trainer/facilitator for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Office of the Attorney General, Advanced Investigation and Prosecution of Domestic Violence Cases. “I made some of the longest and cherished relationships participating as a trainer with this advanced training module,” Latario said.

“We held trainings twice a year— in northern and southern Jersey.

This training also opened doors for me, allowing networking with other law enforcement officers statewide. For example, if I had an investigation in Caldwell, I knew who to call Latario achieved her Bachelor there for assistance. It proved of Science degree from Rutgers to help me with investigations University/New Brunswick and down the road numerous times.

Warren County TAC Team Exercise 1995. Latario on far left; her Masters in Education from Det. Sgt. Susan Lazorisak on far right. The first females on the TAC Team.

My colleagues who taught with Seton Hall University with a 4.0 me knew I worked in the Special GPA, where she was inducted Victims Unit in my office and I made it a caller was identified as a Korean national, into the International Honors Society in point to tell each class I taught my current Dae Woong Lee, who was a member of Education. She said most of her continuing assignment. In doing so, I believe it brought the Korean Military. Lee was subsequently education was funded by the Warren down barriers. In fact, there were a few that charged with a violation of the Korean County Prosecutor’s Office. “I wanted to felt comfortable enough to share privately Criminal Act, Article 314-1 (Obstruction look ahead for when I retire and have a that they were victims as a child. I always of Business) which provided for a term degree in something I enjoy. Continuing felt honored that they were comfortable of imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine education is important in my office and enough to converse with me, trusted me up to 15,000,000 Korean Won (equivalent funding was available to detectives who about their victimization, and that they felt to approximately $15,000.00 USD). This wish to pursue it. My thoughts were to assured that it was told to me in confidence. case became international news and could possibly teach full time at a university None of them ever pursued their abusers not have been solved without the help of when I retire, meanwhile continue teaching nor did they want to.” other law enforcement agencies. This is just at police academies. I currently arrange another example of how important it is to all the mandatory agency trainings to law work together.” enforcement in Warren County. These THE HACKETTSTOWN mandatory trainings are required by the HIGH SCHOOL INVESTIGATION These links provide insight into this case: Attorney General’s Office, such as Domestic Latario talked about an important case http : / / w w w. w f m z . c om / n e w s / n e w s - Violence, Use of Force and Pursuit Driving.” of terroristic threats she investigated that regional-newjersey/officials-reveal-infowas solved with the help of various law on-how-a-south-korean-called-in-threats- INSPIRATIONAL MENTORS enforcement agencies in New Jersey as to-hackettstown-high-school/20803026 Latario credits several mentors that have well as international law enforcement http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/warren- inspired her to craft a career for success. “I N JBlue now | August / september 2014

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Women in blue was inspired to become an Investigator due to a guest speaker in one of my Rutgers University criminal justice classes. That guest speaker is now retired Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Mary Robbillard. I just knew I wanted to do what she did!

Prior to my law enforcement career, I was picked to sit as a Juror on a sexual assault case out of Woodbridge. That also pushed me in the direction of being an Investigator. (I later learned the defendant would be classified as a “serial rapist” in the Middlesex County area.) The assigned AP who later became a Superior Court Judge, Joyce Munkacsi, was outstanding and once again, had me leaning in the direction of becoming an Investigator. I ultimately wound up working as an Agent at MCPO and introduced myself to both Mary Robbillard and AP Munkacsi; I had the fortunate opportunity to tell them both how inspiring they were and how they helped me decide the direction I wanted to pursue in my career.

Julie McClure of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office was an important, influential person in my career when I worked with her as an Agent at the MCPO. I reconnected with her years later when I was working as a Detective in Warren County. Since we were such a small agency, I frequently turned to Julie with legal questions and asked how MCPO would handle a particular investigation.

GIVING BACK Susan Komen NJWLE 5-K Team.

Latario as Team Captain

Latario is an executive board member of two fraternal law enforcement organizations: the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement (NJWLE) and the New Jersey Sex Crimes Officers Association (NJSCOA). She volunteers her time as the NJWLE team captain for the Susan Koeman Race for the Cure and the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault 5K Walk and Run. During a recent NJWLE Annual Training Conference, Latario received the 2014 President’s Award in recognition of her exemplary work as Lead Investigator in the Hackettstown High School threat case.

Latario was an adjunct professor at Warren County Community College for nine years and is often called upon to speak to law enforcement, community groups and college students about domestic violence, child abuse and neglect and sex offenders who target children.

ADVICE FOR WOMEN IN BLUE

Captain Ruth Selzam, retired from the Plainfield Police Department in 2013, was an inspiration and great mentor to me.

She was a friend prior to my joining the department and was my supervisor on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift. I learned a great deal from Ruth about how the department ran and dealing with people on the road. Officer Richard Brown was a great FTO, too!

Assistant Prosecutor James Janci was in charge of the juvenile and domestic violence units when I was hired by the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.

Currently, he is the First Assistant Prosecutor in Hunterdon County. Jim became an important male mentor to me; he encouraged me in every avenue possible in pursuing my career in the Prosecutor’s Office. He has always been a loyal friend and colleague.”

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President’s Award by NJWLE, Latario & President Anne Kriegner

Latario cautions female officers that it’s easy to fall into being competitive with one another due to working in a male dominated profession. “It’s because we want so much to be respected and accepted in proving WE can do the job. Don’t let that happen to you! It could be helpful finding a male colleague that inspires you to pursue this career since it is male dominated and can be very challenging. You should be working

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together, pulling each other up, and helping the other to succeed, as it reflects your character as well as it helps the both of you in the long run. You should bear in mind that although it may not feel like it now, you are definitely making a difference for the next generation of female officers for whom you are paving the path, just by working in this field!

Many female officers will be working numerous hours taking time away from their families; increased stress on the job can cause stress at home. Try to find an outlet and use it to de-stress, such as a sport, your advocacy, training, etc. My outlet was running. You must make time to take care of yourself. If you don’t, you are no good to anyone else. Should you need to vent, reach out to family and friends--don’t isolate and hold it in. Also, be patient if you aren’t promoted immediately. A colleague once said this statement and it still resonates in me “a blessing delayed is not necessarily a blessing denied.”

Working in a male-dominated field, Latario shared the following poem that has always inspired her: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Latario said she keeps this poem hanging by her desk as a reminder. “It has always given me strength. It has been quoted by Mother Teresa, but was actually written by Marianne Williamson, both strong women; that’s all I needed to keep going!”

Contact Det. Sgt. Toni Latario at tlatario@co.warren.nj.us.

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NJ LUENOW

™

3rd Annual

A ppreciationA wardsD inner

The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ June 30, 2014

NJ Blue Now Magazine extends a special thanks and

congratulations to all our honorees, award recipients and dedicated sponsors for making our 2014 Appreciation Dinner possible.

We truly value all of you who allow us to be your independent voice of law enforcement! Thank you to our very own Dr. Alex from Tri-State Health & Wellness Medical Center in Fair Lawn and Dr. Kayal from Kayal Orthopaedic in Franklin Lakes.

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

Photo Credits: Donna Roman Hernandez

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blue events

Atlantic Uniform Co. made a generous $1000 donation

Tka freestyle group performed for nj blue Now

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Congratulations to Our Award Winners

Awards:

Courageous Award....................................................... Officer Dave Cuozzo Humanitarian Award................................................... Union Township Police Department Valiant Award .............................................................. Officer James Pieper Outstanding Support for Law Enforcement Award ...... Anthony Colandro NJ Blue Now Best Cover Picture................................... October 2013 - Sheriffs of NJ NJ Blue Now Best Story................................................ December Holiday Edition 2013 Trooper Brian Malast ‘Example of Courage’ by Donna Roman Hernandez

Sponsors: A very big thanks to: Dr. Aleksander Martirosov - Tri-State Health & Wellness Medical Centers Dr. Robert A. Kayal - Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC. Gun For Hire, Woodland Park Range New Jersey Police Community Affairs Officers Association The Law Offices of Feeley & Larocca, LLC Vein Center of Oradell

At Home Sleep Solutions Atlantic Uniform Co. Essex-Hudson Urology Green Garden Landscaping Brothers

In Attendance: Bloomfield Police Department Bronze Shields of Passaic County Cop2Cop DDV Radio Talk Radio Hosts Essex County Corrections Essex County Sheriff ’s Department Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association Italian American Police Society of New Jersey Jersey City Police Department Juvenile Justice Commission National Coalition of Latino Officers Newark Police Department New Jersey Asian American Law Enforcement Officers Assoc.

New Jersey Community Affairs Officers Association New Jersey Law Enforcement Police Officer Brotherhood New Jersey State Police

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

NJ Honor Legion NOBLE NOBWLE Passaic Police Department PBA Local 1 PBA Local 105 PBA Local 109 PBA Local 134 PBA Local 197 PBA Local 286 Public Safety United Sheriffs Association of NJ Steve Olympio Detective Agency Sussex County Sheriff ’s Department & Corrections Union Township Police Department Wounded Officers Support Group of New Jersey

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Once Public Employees, Now Practicing Attorneys.

Get to know who’s on your side.

John D. Feeley, Esq. Sr. Partner

Tony F. LaRocca, Esq. Sr. Partner

J.D., Seton Hall University School of Law B.S. cum laude, Fire Science/ Criminal Justice

J.D., Quinnipiac University School of Law, (Formerly Birdgeport School of Law) B.A. Criminal Justice, Kean University

John Feeley, Esq., is a practicing attorney who devotes the majority of his practice to the areas of disability pensions for public employees and worker’s compensation claims. Prior to starting his legal career in 1997, Mr. Feeley served as a police officer and firefighter in the City of Orange from 1983 to 2008, where he was also a Union President of the FMBA Local 10 and FMBA Local 210 for 17 years. He has a unique understanding of the legal options available to public employees and has successfully argued many cases, including Russo v. the Board of Trustees for Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, 206 NJ 14:17A.3d 801 (2011).

Tony LaRocca, Esq., is a practicing attorney with 27 years of legal experience.

His primary expertise lies in workplace injuries, with a strong emphasis on worker’s compensation benefits and pension benefits for police officers, correction officers, firefighters and public employees. He currently holds a position as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Kean University. Prior to his legal career, Mr. LaRocca served as a corrections officer for 9 years in the Union County Department of Public Safety where he received the Award of Conduct Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

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FEELEY & LAROCCA, LLC “Protecting the rights of those who protect the public” · · · · · · · ·

Accidental Disability Ordinary Disability Worker’s Compensation/Work Related Injuries Disciplinary Termination Matters Contract Negotiations Promotion Appeals Appeals for Removal From Eligibility List Personal Injury (Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Assaults, etc.) · Discrimination John D. Feeley, Esq. Jfeeley@jjslawoffice.com

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Essex County Office: 973-821-5360 Union County Office: 908-486-3003

blue events Passaic County Sheriff’s Department Promotional Ceremony

On August 1st the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department held a promotional ceremony at the Passaic County Police Academy promoting: four Detective 1st Grades, seven Corrections Sergeants, two Corrections Lieutenants, eight Sheriff’s Officer Sergeants, two Sheriff’s Officer Lieutenants and two Sheriff’s Officer Captains.

Congratulations to all our brothers and sisters in BLUE for your accomplishments!

Photo credits: Donna Roman Hernandez

WOODBRIDGE OFFICER RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING POLICE SERVICE Officer Phillip Agosta of the Woodbridge Police Department was recognized by Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick and the Township Council as Police Officer of the Quarter for his outstanding police service. Pictured from left to right are Italian American Police Society of NJ President William Schievella, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick, Police Officer Phillip Agosta and Officer Adrian Romero of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department.

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

blue events THE HISPANIC LAW ENFORCEMENT SOCIETY OF ESSEX COUNTY

2014 BATTLE OF THE BADGES SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT & FAMILY PICNIC

A Tribute to Fallen Officers T

he Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of Essex County (HLES) held its 2014 Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament and family picnic on August 9th & 10th in Branch Brook Park in Newark. The tournament honored Jersey City Police Detective Melvin Santiago. The championship game was between the New Jersey Department of Correctons vs. the Essex County Corrections. The 2014 Champions of the 2014 Battle of the Badges was: The NJDOC. NJDOC- The WINNERS

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

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blue events THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BLACK WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWARK CHAPTER

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he National Organization of Black Women in Law Enforcement (NOBWLE), Newark Chapter, hosted the 29th Annual Training Conference “Courage To Take The Lead: The Trailblazers of Law Enforcement” on August 6th - August 8th at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott. Seminar topics included leadership and empowerment, ethnic and cultural differences, sisters beyond the badge and more.

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

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Morris County Sheriff’s Office 275th Anniversary Gala The Morris County Sheriff’s Office PBA, FOP and MCSCEA cordially invite you to our 275th Anniversary Gala on Friday, November 21, 2014 at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ. This formal event will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, music & dancing, silent & live auction and entertainment by Comedian & Actor Jim Breuer.

Tickets are $100 per person or $900 for a table of ten.

Based on the overwhelming popularity for this special event, we recommend that interested guests purchase their seating by contacting: Morriscountysheriff275@gmail.com. Like us on facebook.com/MorrisCountySheriffsOffice275thAnniversary

N JBlue now | August / september 2014

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Photo Copyright Jill Corson

tribute

By Det. George Beck

Tribute to 9/11 T

welve years ago, tragedy struck our homeland. Many of us recall exactly where we were as the moments of the attacks unfolded. In the space of two hours, we watched, horrified, as both World Trade Center Towers collapsed, the Pentagon burned, and United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Our country scrambled to defend itself as the number of causalities rose. The attacks claimed 2,977 dead while injuring another 6,000. For firefighters and law enforcement personnel, September 11, 2001 became the deadliest day in history with 343 and 72 killed respectively. Analysts eventually estimated the loss of lives, property damage, and lost production in the goods and services sector at $100 billion. If we factor in the resulting collapse of the stock market and the period of economic instability that followed, this number explodes to nearly $2 trillion.

Without question, 9/11 was one of the worst days in our nation’s history – perhaps the worst. And without question, it is a day we can never afford to forget.

Photo copyright, Drew Nederpelt

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

The days that followed the attack were grim. Our nation grieved, as did all free countries of the world. Still in shock, we rallied to help with the rescue and recovery efforts while struggling to identify and punish the persons responsible. Amid this clamorous landscape, Damon DiMarco, a writer, actor, and playwright, wandered the streets of Manhattan gathering interviews with policemen, firefighters, paramedics, volunteers, the bereaved, and survivors of the towers. His mission, he says, was simple. He wanted to write down their stories before they became lost, so that future generations could understand what happened in the voices of people who were there.

DiMarco’s oral testimonies were published in the book: Tower Stores: An Oral History of 9/11 with a foreword by Thomas Kean, Chairman of the 9/11 Commission.

NBC’s Today Show called it one of five Must Read Books About 9/11: “Arguably the most successful attempt at capturing the enormity of the events of 9/11.” The respected reviewers at Publishers Weekly called the book, “Monumental… DiMarco’s contribution to the memory of that horrific day is enormous, the testimonies collected here form an amazing, one-of-a-kind account.”

Tower Stories helps us recall the immediate aftermath of 9/11 when ordinary Americans came together to do extraordinary things for each other. In those days, we put aside our differences to create an overwhelming, united response. American flags flew outside nearly every home across the country and from our car windows. Support for law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services was intense, as was the power of the message our country sent to the world:

We have been wounded, but we will grow stronger.

We are the beacon of freedom and truth.

America will prevail.

“It’s one thing to read about history,” DiMarco says. “It’s another thing to watch history come to life in front of you through living, breathing people. No one can change the past, but we can educate the future.”

photo copyright, Frank Cutler

A Playwright Remembers 9/11

Twelve years ago this September 11 is a blip on the radar of time by some standards, an eternity by others. These days, I often hear people say, “We all remember where we were on 9/11.”

But do we?

I recently spoke to Damon DiMarco, who said this: “According to U.S. Census Bureau, 83 million Americans or 26 percent of the population were age twenty-one or younger in July of 2013. These citizens have vague recollections of the attack at best.

The youngest in their age bracket have no memory at all – they were two or three or four years old. As our population continues to age, a day will come – not long from now – when no one alive will remember 9/11.

This event that changed our society and the course of history will fade into a kind of myth. A footnote lost in textbooks. I don’t want to see that happen. I believe we must do everything we can to make sure the voices of those at the scene remain with us, and are heard.”

As an actor and a playwright, DiMarco has a plan to do just that.

For centuries, theatre has served as the perfect medium for preserving oral histories. In tribute to victims and survivors of 9/11, DiMarco has begun adapting his book into a play that can be performed in public schools, colleges and universities, municipal libraries, and theater groups around the country.

Over the next two years, the piece will undergo a development cycle where DiMarco collaborates with professional actors, directors, and producers to generate the best script possible from his large bank of material.

The Tower Stories play will premiere in September 2016 on the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

For more information about the Tower Stories project or to make a tax deductible donation that helps develop the play, please visit, www. towerstories.org and click on the tab that says Hatchfund Play Campaign.

Our Future Renews Today

DiMarco’s work is important in that it gives us a chance to preserve our common history. Voices from the Tower Stories project will speak to generations yet unborn in centuries far ahead of us, and it will help them to understand.

Meanwhile, as we await the premiere of DiMarco’s tribute play, let us all take a moment of silence this September 11.

To recall our memories of that day.

To remember our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

And to honor the cause for which they gave their lives: Our country. Our freedom.

Our hope.

N JBlue now | August / september 2014

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blue Barbecues NJ State Corrections D-Block Annual

O

n July 20th D-Unit of the New Jersey Department of Corrections held its 4th Annual Cookout at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth. It was a great time with plenty of food and commarderie with our brother and sister officers of the NJDOC, friends, family members and invited guests.

Photo Credits: Donna Roman Hernandez

Italian American Police Society of New jersey

Annual Member Picnic and Pool Party

The Italian American Police Society of New Jersey held its Annual Member Picnic and Pool Party at the Manor Park Swim Club in Westfield on July 19th. A large crowd of members and friends turned out to enjoy a day of fun,

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

sun and lots of complimentary food. IAPSNJ President William Schievella credits Chairman Vincent Nardone and his committee for a successful event!

To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

Matthew A. Peluso, Esq. 74 Brick Blvd Suite 102 Brick, New Jersey 08723 732-600-8976 email: JPangaro@yahoo.com

Statewide Civil Litigation and Trials Proudly Representing NJ Law Enforcement Officers

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Joseph Pangaro, CPM PTC Certified Police Academy Instructor 25 Years Police Experience Narcotics Invetigations FBI Certified Hostage/Crisis Intervention CPM Certification Courses Tailored to Your Needs Check the website for course dates and locations

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N JBlue now | August / september 2014

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remembrance Sponsored by

www.MomentOfSilenceInc.org

Officer Nathaniel Webb

O

fficer Nathaniel Webb was a 28-year veteran with the Port Authority Police appointed on April 16, 1973.

He was assigned to the Holland Tunnel for most of his career and in 1980 he took a permanent assignment at the tunnel.

Everyone knew Officer Webb; his fellow officers, Port Authority civilians and even the motorists that drove through the Holland Tunnel. Throughout his career, he received a Meritorious Police Duty Medal and a Police Division Citation.

On September 11, 2001, Officer Webb responded to the World Trade Center and initially responded to the lobby of Tower Two to establish a command presence. Shortly thereafter, a captain

from the New York City Fire Department, entering from the Liberty Street entrance with twenty to thirty firefighters, advised Captain Whitaker that he was going up Tower Two and requested a Port Authority police officer to accompany them with a radio for c o m mu n i c at i o n purposes. Chief Whitaker assigned Officer Webb, and the team used the express elevators to ascend Tower Two. Captain Whitaker then left the lobby after he received a radio call to rendezvous; once he left, the tower collapsed. Officer Webb was climbing Tower Two with the New York City Fire Department at the time of its collapse.

mother, Willie Webb, of Newark. “Nat” would visit his mother almost every day to drop off groceries and offer her a little companionship. Officer Webb would often talk about his mother. His friends and colleagues knew Officer Webb as a righteous and generous man.

Nathaniel Webb, “Nat” age 56, was born in Durham, North Carolina and was a devoted father to his two daughters, Camille, 23, and Valerie, 12, his son, Julien, 10 and devoted son to his 80- year-old

If you would like to honor a brother or sister in BLUE who lost their life on the job or retired, please submit your story to: info@njbluenow.com

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

To Advertise Call: 201.943.3800

Blue classifieds Against All Odds (Continued from page 14) or friends. Seeking to prove the “dream snatchers” wrong, Teets took the exam to become a police officer but was passed over twice to join the department.

His big break did not come until a captain hired Teets as a dispatcher for the Newton Police Department. He compared that day in ’97 to winning the Super Bowl.

“Once I got hired, I had to prove to everyone that I could do the job,” Teets said. Nonetheless, his fellow officers were still skeptical to whether he could handle himself during an emergency situation. Still, Teets felt like the guys who knew him were constantly LAW ENFORCEMENT DISCOUNT

waiting for him to slip up. Proving that he was well capable and had his stuttering under control, his captain took a chance and helped him to get hired as a police officer three years later. This was one of the happiest and memorable moments in Teets life.

Overcoming Obstacles Opens Doors

Looking back Teets believes it is important to follow your dreams regardless of those who give up on you. With his girlfriend’s support, now his wife, he never lost sight of his goal. “It’s easy being labeled. I had a reputation of a stutter and being a little slow, and I’m constantly trying to fight against it to this day.” A word of advice Teets leaves to law enforcement officers is to judge the person for yourself and not believe the reputations or stories that you hear about them; just get to know other people.

Present day, Teets is not afraid to speak

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in public. He gives public speaking presentations at Kean University, Montclair State University and Sussex County Community College informing students about his disability. Teets is hopefully looking to share his story with students in middle school and use this as a platform to speak out against bullying.

To reach Ken Teets email: kteets@embarqmail.com

395 Macopin Road West Milford, NJ 07480 Sselas1@yahoo.com

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N JBlue now | August / september 2014

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aw Enforcement Officers and canines are a natural pairing providing loyalty and pleasure to each other, forming close relationships and companionship.

Send us a favorite photo of you and your ‘best friend’ to be displayed in Blue Paws!

PO Anthony DeProspo NJ Transit Police Rott - “Massimo“ Min Pin - “Sophie”.

Nick Cianciosi Passaic County Sheriff’s Department (Ret) and “Rex”.

Paul Spennrath Retired NYPD and P.O. Louis Failla Fair Lawn PD with “Rudi,” a 2-year old German Shepherd at the House of Whacks in Belmar, NJ.

James Kostoplis, Former NJ Police Honor Legion President & (Ret.) Hamilton Police Detective Lieutenant, currently contracted Special Deputy US Marshal with border collie “Sophia”. He even owns two wolves!

Officer Monti Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, “Rusty”.

Tina Dean Hanceville, Alabama Winner National Bring Your Dog to Work Day

Joseph Celentano Passaic County Sherrif’s Department

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If you and your dog would like to be featured in Blue Paws, please email your photo to Joseph Celentano at: bluepawsnow@gmail.com.

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NJBlue now | August / september 2014

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