NJ LUENOW Volume 5~ Issue 2
March 2014
™
New Jersey’s Independent Voice of Law Enforcement
www.NJbluenow.com This issue can be viewed online at: www.njblueNow.com
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feature story Can GOVERNOR Christie
Officer James F. Lynch
Save
Your Pension?
SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO
in remembrance
America’s Toughest Sheriff
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NJ LUENOW Team
™
contents
Editor-in-Chief Daniel Del Valle
44
Publisher Envisage Productions
32
Managing Editor Donna Roman-Hernandez Design Editor Dari Izhaky Copy Editor Kelly-Ann Higgins
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Advertising Director John Welsh 201-881-5100 Chief Product officer John Welsh writers Officer Fasil Khan Brad Schnerman, Esq Matthew A. Peluso, Esq. Lt. Joseph Pangaro (ret.) Eddie Molina Antonella Rao Daniel Del Valle Capt. Donna Roman Hernandez (ret.) John Bury, EA Peter Prince Jay Martinez Robert May Dan Lorenzo photographers Willis Hulings Vincent D’Amico WEBSITE/SUBSCRIPTIONS www.njbluenow.com EMAIL NJBlueNow@gmail.com ADVERTISING 201-881-5100 OFFICE 279 Belmont Avenue Haledon, NJ 07508 973-653-3446 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. The www.NJBlueNow.com website is powered by ENVISAGE PRODUCTIONS, LLC. Layout & design by Dari Izhaky email: dzeek@optonline.net God Bless Our Troops!
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NJ Blue now | march 2014
Please share and recycle this magazine.
48 Editor’s point of view
6
Daniel Del Valle
health
8
armony and Balance: H The Keys to Beating Burnout
legal
10 Car Insurance: protecting Yourself in New Jersey
Cops Have the Right 12
of Free Speech, But Need to Be Smart About It
Awareness
14 What Lies Ahead in the Road Inside view
18 Life as an Officer and a
Soldier: An Inside Look at What It’s like to Wear Both Blue and Green
corrections
20 Professional Criminal?
Professional Clean-Up and Restoration Should Be Done By Professionals
cover story
22 Sheriff Joe Arpaio
America’s Toughest Sheriff
survival
28 Surviving An Armed Encounter Celebrating the 20th Anniversary with Sgt. Ken Hogan (ret.)
feature story
30 Can Governor Christie Save Your Pension?
Tribute
32 The Ultimate Sacrifice training
34 Chasing Fear remembrance
36 Officer James F. Lynch technology
40 5.11 Tactical® Unveils
Limited-Edition, CustomDesigned Strider™ Knife
events
42 NJ Honor Legion 44 Special Olympics New Jersey Polar Bear Plunge
46 The NYPD Asian Jade Society Honors Captain Ken Gorman
entertainment
48 Christine Barnum
EP Envisage Productions
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editor’s POINt of VIEW
A
t some point, we are all going to face tough times in our lives. Therefore, let my editorial serve as a reminder that you must be strong and overcome no matter what obstacles life puts in your way. There are too many of us today falling victim to hard times because sometimes we have few avenues to express our issues. As you all know, this is not an assumption, but a fact. Meeting many of you and being blessed to really have your trust, it’s been very easy to bond with so many of you right away. One thing that always stands out in my mind is how we really have so much in common when it comes to how we deal with our issues. Bottom line, we are very protective of our image--that image of strength and to be in control of our lives. Unfortunately, how many of us have lost control, or will lose control, at some point in our lives only because we have not sought help? It hurts to know that many of our BLUE brothers and sisters could have been saved if only they were able to express their issues to others. I urge all of you to always seek help, and remember the most important thing is that we are all humans. There is no person out there that can look down on others because of issues they are facing. At some point, they or their loved ones will expose them to an issue that will feel too much to just leave inside. What led me to this editorial topic? Let’s just say we ALL need to be reminded that as human beings, we all can release stress through conversation. Yes, we annoy each other at times, and yes, there might be the few who are reckless with their actions towards one another; however, the majority of us will drop anything to be able to help our BLUE family. We are here, your department is here, your partners are here, and your family is there--just reach out. On the cover we have an amazing leader many of you might support, and many of you might disagree with. The bottom line is we can all agree he has our respect as a leader. Sheriff Joe Arpaio from Arizona is a pioneer and a man that does not shy away from making controversial decisions; does not enter the pool of followers; and, as he says, “I do it my way.” It was an honor and privilege to have spent many hours interviewing him, and it was not hard to see why he is a true leader. I am thankful for the opportunity he gave me, and I can say he is someone that I will call a friend of mine and of law enforcement. Stay alert, ask questions, and do not be a follower who respects or follows individuals only because of their titles. Leaders make mistakes and there are leaders leading for the wrong reasons; therefore, make sure you keep them on their toes. We are facing rough times like never before; the least you can do now is stand up for what you believe in.
NJ LUENOW
Till next time! Stay Healthy, Stay Strong, Stay Blue!
™
Magazine
Daniel Del Valle Editor
Bryce, son of delegate Richard Brown Monmouth County Corrections
We Are that interesting! this issue is sponsored by
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health your life that are important to you.
Learn to Say ‘NO’
Harmony and Balance: The Keys to Beating Burnout By Officer Fasil Khan
B
urnout is defined as “a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job,” and is a phenomenon that is affecting more and more officers every day. In a study done by William P. McCarty and Wesley G. Skogan in 2012 (Skogan, 2012), it was found that Officers have feelings of job frustration, stress, and exhaustion at least 2 to 3 times per week. These numbers are comparable to those of other professions; however, the type of stress and the severity of the circumstances surrounding these feelings are somewhat different for those in the law enforcement profession. Career Cast (Kensing, 2013) ranks law enforcement as one of the most stressful professions in the world; therefore, it is no surprise that many officers are suffering from the negative effects of burnout. I often see my clients suffering from exhaustion, back pain, indigestion, insomnia and depression. When we start looking at some of these issues more closely, many of these issues are related to stress and the imbalance and disharmony in the client’s life. As with all people, officers need to create a level of balance and harmony in their lives. Officers especially need to create an opportunity that will allow them the opportunity to decompress from the 8
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negativity seen on the job. The struggle for most people when attempting to create balance and harmony in their lives is the aspect of time. Not having enough time or the feeling that the time is being wasted is a common excuse for not creating a balanced lifestyle; but if balance and harmony is needed, and for many officers it is, making the time for balance is well worth the effort. There are many different ways to start making balance in your life a priority. Not every method is going to work for you, but the important thing is that you take a step towards living the life you want instead of letting your life lead you. Try some of these tips to creating harmony and balance in your life today to start leading the life you have always dreamed of.
Find a Schedule that Works for You
Figuring out a schedule that will allow you to fulfill your work responsibilities while still maintaining a set time allotment for yourself, your family, and some down time, will allow you to better manage your time. This schedule needs to be extremely stringent in the beginning to get you in the habit of following it; however, there will be times when adjustments need to be made. Try to maintain set times for the things in
Saying NO is very hard for some people and often times the needs of others are put before your own. Ask yourself if doing something for someone else is taking away from something you need to do or want to do. If you find yourself constantly taking away from yourself to help someone else, you will eventually burnout. It is good to help other people, but not at the expense of yourself, your family or your overall feeling of well being. Saying NO every now and then will allow you the opportunity to take the time needed to create a sense of balance within your own life.
Outsource If You Can
Finding someone to help you do the things in your life that are time consuming can make a huge difference in creating a balance in your life. We all have errands to run, chores to do, and appointments to keep. Outsourcing some of these things will free up some of your valuable time to focus on the things in your life that you enjoy. Finding a balance that works for you is crucially important to ensure that you stay effective on the job and avoid the debilitating effects of burnout. Trying to create time for the things that matter to you will not only allow you to focus on the positive and rewarding aspects of your life, but it will also help alleviate the negativity associated with the job. Maintaining a harmonious element to your life will not only lead you to a more peaceful and stress-free attitude, it will give you the ability to stay effective in your job for longer and make your career that much more rewarding. References Kensing, K. (2013). The 10 Most Stressful Jobs of 2013. Retrieved from Career Cast: http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/10most-stressful-jobs-2013 Skogan, W. P. (2012). Job-Related Burnout Among Civilian and Sworn Police . Police Quarterly, 1-19. Khan Coaching “Command Your Life, Lead Your Life, Lead Your Life to Get the Results You Want Out of Life.” www.KhanCoaching.com.
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DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE BREATHING?
You may have a worker’s compensation claim.
Do you wheeze, cough? Have you developed lung cancer? Short of breath, chest pains, decreased appetite, night sweats, under rib pain, sudden weight loss, loss of voice? Do you work in a sick building? A building with asbestos, mold, dust‌ including and not limited to police departments, jails and prisons.
You may have a case against the asbestos companies.
BRAD S. SCHENERMAN Attorney at Law
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legal
CAR INSURANCE: Part 1 PROTECTING YOURSELF IN NEW JERSEY By Brad Schnerman, Esq.
I
t’s a dirty little secret that MANY New Jersey drivers do not carry car insurance that compensates you if they injure you. In the last few years, the State of New Jersey has permitted drivers to use their cars without liability insurance. Thousands of people drive with what is called the basic policy or special policy. This means that if you are in a car accident caused by another, their insurance may not pay you for your injuries, because there is no provision in their insurance policy to pay you.
As a result, you must make sure to protect yourself by maintaining adequate uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage to fully cover your damages if you’re in an automobile accident, even if that accident is through no fault of your own.
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UM/UIM coverage is that element of your insurance policy under which you may be compensated for injuries you suffer at the hands of an uninsured or underinsured driver who does not have enough coverage to fully compensate your injuries. By way of a little history, in 1969, New Jersey became the 48th state to require insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage. In 1998, however, in response to a perceived need to contain costs, the Legislature adopted the “Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act” (AICRA), creating a new type of insurance; the kind that dose not include liability insurance. Crazy as it may seem, it includes payment of property damage, but no bodily injury insurance. For the first time in decades, a motor
vehicle can be legally insured in New Jersey without liability insurance. So, if you want to make sure that you are fully covered in the event of a motor vehicle accident, please select adequate UM/UIM coverage. The chances of getting hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist are too great and devastating to ignore. Based upon a survey of insurance companies, increasing your UM/UIM coverage costs only dollars and will allow you to sleep at night knowing that whoever is driving next to you, with whatever insurance, your family is protected. You have protected them. Ask yourself: Are the savings worth the risk? If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office. 1-888-394-BRAD To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
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t Law Offices of Brad Schenerman, our trial attorneys handle serious injury accident claims and wrongful death lawsuits in Essex County, Passaic County and throughout New Jersey. We represent accident victims, families, and workers in a wide range of personal injury litigation. To learn more about our law offices or to schedule a free initial consultation, call our New Jersey or New York brain injury lawyers.
Tel: 1-888-394-brad www.schenermanlaw.com We serve clients in a wide range of practice areas: • Car and truck accidents • Motorcycle Accidents • Fall-down injuries • Dangerous and defective products • Dog bites • Workplace injuries
Woman badly hurt by NJ Transit bus wins $7.85M in lawsuit settlement. A woman who had her left leg and right foot amputated after being run over by an NJ Transit bus in 2008 received $7.85 million in a settlement with the agency. The victim’s lawyer was Brad Schenerman.
New Jersey and New York Injury Lawyer 50 Park Place, Newark, NJ 385 Lakeview Ave, Clifton, NJ NJ Blue now | march 2014
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legal
COPS HAVE THE RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH,
BUT NEED TO BE SMART ABOUT IT By Matthew A. Peluso, Esq.
“ People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.” ~ Soren Kierkegaard
W
ith the recent dispute between the acting police chief and the Bloomfield town council, the issue of a law enforcement officer’s right to free speech is first-page news in Jersey. Because of their training and, in many cases, overly restrictive and even unlawful internal policies imposed by their employers, many law enforcement officers wrongfully believe that they cannot exercise their constitutional right of free speech at all. However, as the great Danish philosopher observed long ago, it is important that law enforcement officers think first, and then speak. The protections of the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment extend to all citizens. The First Amendment has been made applicable to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment. Cantwell v. Connecticut, 310 U.S. 296, 303 (1940). New Jersey courts rely on federal constitutional principles in interpreting the free speech clause of the New Jersey Constitution, art. I, ¶ 6. Horizon Health Cir. v. Felicissimo, 263 N.J.Super. 200, 214 (App. Div. 1993). Government employees, including law enforcement officers, do not enjoy the same freedom of speech as members of the general public. Davis v. New Jersey Dept. of Law and Public Safety, Division of State Police, 327 N.J.Super. 59 (Ch. Div. 1999). Government has a special authority to proscribe speech of its employees. Id. Government “may impose restraints on the job-related speech of public employees that would plainly be unconstitutional if applied to the public at large.” United States 12
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v. National Treasury Employees Union (“NTEU”), 531 U.S. 454 (1995). Courts in New Jersey have concluded that a public employer has legitimate concerns regarding unauthorized employee communications with the press based upon interests such as: “(1) the need to maintain discipline or harmony among co-workers; (2) the need for confidentiality; (3) the need to limit conduct that impedes the public employee’s proper and competent performance of his duties; and (4) the need to encourage close and personal relationships between employees and their superiors.” Hall v. Mayor and Director of Public Safety in the Twp. Of Pennsauken, 176 N.J.Super. 229, 232 (App. Div. 1980). However, neither the federal government, nor any municipal, county or state agency can impose an employment regulation, policy or procedure that places an unjustifiable prior restraint on the freedom of speech of law enforcement officers. A citizen’s interest in commenting on matters of public concern go to the core of freedoms protected by the First Amendment. Roth v. United States, 354 U.S 476 (1957). Thus, even public employees do not relinquish their First Amendment rights just by accepting public employment. As the U.S. Supreme Court ruled: “The loss of First Amendment freedoms, for even minimal periods of time, unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury.” Elrod v. Burns, 427 U.S. 347, 373 (1976). Such injury may arise where free speech is “either threatened or in fact being impaired at the time the relief [is] sought.” Id.
Speech on public issues has traditionally occupied “the highest rung of the hierarchy of First Amendment values.” Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138, 145 (1983). Speech relating to public concerns is to be contrasted with speech as an employee upon matters only of personal interest. Id. at 147. Only when the speech is determined to be of “public concern” and, therefore, constitutionally protected, will a court engage in balancing and inquire into whether the interests of the employees and the public, on the one hand, are outweighed by those of the government, on the other. Pickering v. Bd. of Education, 391 U.S. 563, 568 (1968). If the alleged speech does not involve a matter of public concern, the First Amendment does not protect the employee from employer discipline or permit the constitutionalization of otherwise private grievances. Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 401, 418 (2006). “A government entity has broader discretion to restrict speech when it acts in its role as employer, but the restrictions it imposes must be directed at speech that has some potential to affect the entity’s operations.” Garcetti, supra, at 418. If a public interest or concern is established, then a court must balance the employee’s interest in free speech against the “government’s interest in the effective and efficient fulfillment of its responsibilities to the public.” Connick, supra, at 150. A government agency has a heavy burden of proof when an internal policy applies to a broad category of speech applicable to a large number of employees, rather To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
than a more narrow restriction taken in the context of discipline, i.e., a ban that “chills potential speech before it happens.” Davis, supra, quoting NTEU. When such a regulation is challenged, “[t]he government must show that the interests of both potential audiences and a vast group of present and future employees in a broad range of present and future expression are outweighed by that expression’s ‘necessary impact on the actual operation’ of the government.” NTEU, citing Pickering at 571. When presented with alleged restrictions on the free speech of public employees, courts in this state must “arrive at a balance between the interests of the [employee] as a citizen, in commenting on matters of public concern and the interest of the state, as an employer, in promoting the efficiency of the public services it performs through its employees.” Pickering, supra. In balancing employee and employer interests in this context, courts must consider not only the content of the speech, but also the “manner, time, and place in which it is delivered.” Connick, supra, at 152. In Davis, supra, African-American New Jersey State Troopers brought a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and harassment. The lawsuit coincided with news coverage and public interest in allegations of racial profiling of AfricanAmericans by the New Jersey State Police being used by the agency in the 1990s. During the pendency of the lawsuit, the officers were obtaining requests to give interviews to the press about the relationship between their allegations and the complaints of racial profiling. However, an internal State Police policy prohibited them from commenting publicly without first getting permission from supervisory personnel. Id. In evaluating the content of the disputed speech, courts have recognized that certain subjects, such as racial discrimination, are inherently of public concern. Rode v. Dellarciprete, 845 F.2d 1195 (3rd Cir. 1988). Because the officers’ proposed speech sought to voice civil rights concerns over certain questionable practices and activities of the State Police, the court in Davis found that their opinions were of considerable importance to the public. Consequently, the court in Davis found
that the internal policy’s requirement of advance notice and pre-approval under a threat of professional discipline “raised the danger of self-censorship among State Police employees” and, thus, threatened the free exercise of their First Amendment rights. “Vigilance is necessary to ensure that public employers do not use their power over employees to silence discourse, “not because it hampers public functions but simply because superiors disagree with the content of employees’ speech.” Id., quoting Harman v. City of New York, 140 F.3d 111, 118 (2d Cir. 1998). A similar conclusion was more recently reached in In re Disciplinary Action Against Gonzalez, 405 N.J.Super. 336 (App.Div. 2009). In that case, a Detective employed by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor appealed a civil service determination that he had violated the Commission’s Media and Public Relations Policy by contacting a reporter at NBCTV to inform him of an allegedly unsafe and hazardous condition at his place of employment. Id. at 340. On appeal, Gonzalez argued that the Commissions’ Media Policy was facially unconstitutional, and that the discipline imposed on him, based upon that policy, was unlawful. Gonzalez, who was President of the local Detectives Endowment Association, also argued that his conduct was constituted protected union activity for which he could not be disciplined. Id. In deciding in favor of Gonzalez, the New Jersey Appellate Division ruled that he had not been speaking just “as an employee upon matters only of personal interest,” but rather as a citizen on a matter of public concern. Id. at 351. Therefore, the court concluded that the Commission’s media policy was overly-broad, and unconstitutional on its face because it did not provide “narrow, objective and definite standards.” Id. The disciplinary sanction imposed on Gonzalez was consequently vacated, and he was reimbursement his lost wages, with interest. As an attorney for law enforcement officers, I know that many members of the professional want to speak out about issues and problems that they confront on a daily basis. However, the determination of whether free speech is protected under the
First Amendment or, instead, a violation of an employer’s internal policy is often difficult even for experienced constitutional lawyers. Therefore, in order to avoid potentially serious disciplinary action, law enforcement officers should not attempt to unilaterally make any such decision without first contacting an attorney. By exercising some initial thought and self-restraint before publicly commenting on an issue, law enforcement officers can potentially avoid serious negative employment consequences. Matthew A. Peluso, Esq. is an attorney based in Princeton. He has over 20 years of experience in numerous types of complex litigation, including criminal, 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.
Advertise with us… It doesn’t cost… It pays. 201.881.5100
NJ Blue now | march 2014
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awareness
WHAT LIES AHEAD IN THE ROAD By Lt. Joseph Pangaro (ret.)
T
he world we live in has been forever changed by the threat of terrorism, even if we don’t recognize it immediately. How many schools are no longer having Halloween parades or other school functions outdoors? This is a direct response to our fear of attack. Who could blame any school board or school administrator for refusing to put the children at risk by inviting sometimes hundreds of people to gather and mill about at the school? In 2014 the idea is, on its face, almost unthinkable. This is our reaction to homegrown and international threats. In recent weeks, I attended a conference on the topic of school safety. The presenter was Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman, a retired U.S. Army Ranger and West Point psychology professor. Lt. Colonel Grossman is a world renowned expert on the topic of combat, terrorism and security issues. His program presented some very scary scenarios indeed. He made predictions of future threats to our country, our schools, and the children we love. One of the Colonel’s points was that the biggest problem we have in protecting ourselves, 14
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our kids and our country is denial. We are removed from the horrific events of September 11, 2001, by twelve years. We have yearly memorial services and that event lives in the back of our minds; but, after two wars, we are weary of the fight and as is our way, we look to a better future, with a desire to move on. The intensity of the attack is fading from our daily lives and has taken its place lost among the other historical events of time. This natural American response of looking to better days is what leads to this state of denial and creates the danger we all face: complacency. One of the greatest assets we have as Americans is the separation from most other countries by two great oceans. These waters have allowed us to remain secure in our homes without fear of an unknown, unseen enemy approaching from a neighboring land to attack us while we sleep. Even during the two world wars, we were insulated from the daily battles that the people of Europe lived with every moment of their lives. They dodged bombs while we collected tires and metal and other goods needed on the home front.
Even during these past 12 years as the wars raged in Iraq and Afghanistan, we watched it on the TV as a “thing” over there. We continued with our lives, every day moving further away from the realities of this new world. Our weariness and sacrifice taking its toll on our patience, we demand an end to the conflict. Regardless of the side you take on those wars, we have reached a point where, collectively, the majority of us demanded they stop. The troops are coming home and our involvement “over there” is rapidly coming to an end. We all long to get on with our lives and move away from this state of war. Our leaders responded to our calls for an end and did what was necessary to bring our troops home. For us, that’s it, enough! Unfortunately, what Lt. Colonel Grossman and many others who are experts in the field of terrorism believe is that we don’t get to make that call. We might be tired of fighting, and might see it as being over, but our enemies do not. They are waiting for a moment to bring the conflict to us, once again on our homeland. The enemies of America and our lifestyle do not tire of the To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
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554 Bloomfield Ave. Suite #301, 3rd floor Bloomfield, NJ 07003 NJ Blue now | march 2014
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awareness struggle; they live for it. Only time will tell if the concerns and beliefs of the experts are warranted. These concepts are hard to accept. The thought that after all the blood and money we have invested in the fight, and after the destruction leveled by the crushing power of the U.S. military and the amount of lives lost on all sides, you would think they would have had enough, too. That is where we go wrong. The rest of the world is not America--they do not live by our sense of morality and freedoms; they live by a different set of rules for right and wrong, and they wait. On September 11, 2001, we were caught by surprise. Our secure world was torn apart by an evil that came to us with a smile and lived among us. We were not prepared for that kind of attack. Lt. Colonel Grossman believes we are only a short period of time away from another, more powerful and horrible attack on our homeland. His belief is not based on a wild guess, or a hunch, or even his military life and career. His belief is based on his understanding of the people of the world and human psychology. Lt. Colonel Grossman teaches across the globe. His programs are required curriculum by our military personnel and other military personnel in many other countries. His experience and training informs him and he sums up the process with this understanding: “The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.” In other words, looking at historical data and trends, combined with intelligence and information obtained from sources around the planet and seeing clearly what your enemy has done in the past, will tell you what your enemy will do in the future. America’s enemies have a long and clear history of what they intend to do and have done to many people in the world. They tell us publicly what they intend to do through threats and other statements. If you look closely, you can see them preparing, practicing and learning. They are not tired or weary. They do not think it’s over. For them, this is just a rest period—a time to regroup, resupply, to plot and prepare. According to Lt. Colonel Grossman and 16
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many other experts, the problems we have as Americans are that we are in denial about our enemy and their plans. We want to constantly assign to them American types of reasoning and types of values and ideals that they do not possess or want to possess. We believe the rest of the world is like us, and they are not.
Taking proactive actions is an empowering process. Victims do not take proactive positions--they cower, beg and react. Empowered people learn from history, learn from experts, and develop a winner’s mentality. We have seen this before in the opening minutes of the attack on our country aboard Flight 91 over Pennsylvania.
Look around and see if you recognize anything American in the taking of four jets and crashing them into buildings; the storming of a school full of innocent children in Beslan, Russia and committing unspeakable atrocities; and the storming of a shopping mall and mercilessly attacking innocent people. These are just a few of the ongoing, worldwide incidents that our enemies are engaging in. In fact, the experts believe the attack on the shopping mall in Kenya, Africa not long ago is a trial run on how to plan and execute this type of assault here in the USA.
The men and women on that plane understood what was going on and stood up. At their own peril and facing their fears, they took a proactive stance and fought back.
Knowing this reality causes us to do two things: One, we discount it and say “it can’t happen here,” and two, we lament that it upsets our lives and we don’t want it. Either way, they are forms of denial that can kill us.
Keep your eyes and ears open. If you see something, say something; be strong, be American and don’t be afraid. Be a proactive force for good. We are all in this together and we need each other.
So what can we do? Should we live in a constant state of fear, always waiting for some horror to explode on our lives? Do we overreact and make our country an armed camp? Either of these choices simply makes us victims. What we can do is accept that the world has changed and think proactively about security. Our first line of defense is always going to be our police and our citizens. We can learn about our enemy and how they think. We can look to history to help us understand what may be coming to our shores. We cannot solve our enemies’ problems. Our leaders have tried talking, publicly apologizing for our past actions, handing out billions of dollars, or otherwise trying to appease those who would do us harm. All of this has been for naught. They still plot and plan against us. We can only prepare ourselves to defend against them and their actions by facing the threats head on.
I believe that in the days ahead we will all have to make those choices. I pray that the experts are wrong and this moment in history will pass us and our children; however, I will not allow my desire for all to be well to override my common sense and to face this reality, this possibility, head on and to prepare.
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.
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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.
THE LAW OFFICES OF
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. johndfeeley@gmail.com
Tony F. LaRocca, Esq. Tlarocca17@gmail.com
Essex County Office: 973-821-5360 Union County Office: 908-486-3003
INSIDE VIEW Life as an Officer and a Soldier:
An Inside Look
at What It’s like to Wear Both Blue and Green By Eddie Molina
L
aw enforcement and military are quite parallel in nature, but are two clearly distinct entities. Both rely heavily on discipline and structure to carry out their stated mission: to serve and protect the public. Integrity, professionalism, honor, duty, and courage are just some of the traits that law enforcement and military personnel need to have for an honorable and successful career. And as such, many police, sheriff and correctional officers balance two careers as a full-time law enforcement job and a part time, military reserve component position. They spend most of their time in blue and on periodic times throughout the year change into green to serve their nation. This is a combination few have chosen but dutifully execute month in and month out
to help better prepare them for their future. Some do it out of commitment to their nation, while others do it for the additional income. But whatever the reason, the skills and training acquired from one plays a part in the other. These individuals often show an increased level of proficiency in their ability to make decisions, lead others and follow instructions. NJ Blue Now had the opportunity to speak to someone from the law enforcement family that wears these two hats as both a law enforcement professional and a soldier in the 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery, New Jersey Army National Guard. I only have one deployment under my belt, in 2008-2009, that I consider a rather easier experience compared to the ones my fellow comrade mentioned below experienced. During my deployment, I was assigned as
the Day Shift Officer in Charge (OIC) of a specialized detention facility that housed a variety of foreign prisoners inside a super secure location in Baghdad, Iraq. Aside from the periodic incoming mortars, which rarely came close, my biggest challenges were the long days, lack of sleep and dealing with soldier disciplinary issues. Being a state corrections officer since 2007, I had some experience dealing with prisoners that helped us successfully accomplish our mission. But, that was nothing in comparison from what my comrade experienced. He went through far more difficult, challenging and stressful situations. NJ Blue Now talks to Dennis Valdez, a member of the law enforcement family, who talks about the experiences and lessons learned from his time in an active combat zone.
Captain Dennis Valdez wanted me to attend college, instead but I wanted to take a break from school, get a job, see the world, etc. I also wanted to earn some money for college and the military offered the GI Bill. The military seemed like a good choice for a young 18-year old that was not enrolled in college and could not find work. Sheriff ’s Officer (SO), Middlesex County, 2007 to present Captain (CPT), Headquarters Battery, 3-112th Field Artillery, NJ Army National Guard Active Duty Navy 1983-1989, US Naval Reserves 1989-1995, New York/New Jersey Army National Guard 1997 to Present -Deployed to Iraq 2004-2005, 2008-2009 NJ Blue Now: What were some of the reasons that made you want to enlist in military service? CPT Valdez: First and foremost, my father was in the Air Force and a military veteran. He was my inspiration to join. My parents 18
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Life can be stressful as an SO and as a service member. How do you cope with the every day stresses you experience? First, I try to directly deal with whatever stresses me out. For instance, if I have a problem with something or someone, I want to resolve it soon after it happens so that it does not bother me later on. That way I have peace of mind, and I don’t take it home and take it out on my family who have no understanding what my job is all about or what just happened. Talking with my friends both at my job and in the guard also helps me get through stressful situations because they are the ones who I can better relate with.
Lastly, I involve myself in several activities and hobbies. When I was in Iraq, I always made sure I had at least one good thing to do when not on a mission. You were deployed to Iraq twice in your military career. What were some of the main differences between these two deployments, good, bad or indifferent? During my first combat tour of duty in Iraq, in 2004-‘05 I was a Platoon Leader and spent 90% of my time “outside the wire.” There were “bullets flying” and bombs blasting, especially inside our FOB (forward operation base). However, on my second combat tour it was the other way around. I spent 90% of my time “inside the wire” as the Operations Officer of a detention facility. It was “quieter” but not necessarily safer. Whereas my unit and I lost 21 soldiers during my first tour of duty, we did not lose anyone to hostile fire during my second tour.
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You went to boot camp as part of your military service at the US Navy Recruit Training Center (RTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois in September 1983. How did that training help you successfully complete the Police Academy? I was better prepared and knew what to expect. I knew prior to attending the police academy it was physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. I knew the drill instructors were tough and counted on them to strengthen us as well as weed out those who could not be strengthened. I never took anything personal. I knew the only way we were to get through the police academy was to work together as a team, just as we survived basic training in the military or a patrol mission overseas. What information do you want people to know about the military lifestyle in a combat zone, such as Iraq? Depending what a soldier does, what unit he/ she is with, where that unit is stationed and what the mission of that unit is, every soldier has a very different military lifestyle than the next soldier. On my first combat tour I was often out on patrol and would sometimes envy those who didn’t have to do what I did. On my second combat tour of duty I was an Operations Officer and seldom went outside the gate, even though I often wished I did. But the one thing all deployed soldiers face and share is the hardship of separation from their loved ones back home. You were with an armored cavalry unit that deployed with an infantry unit that lost 21 soldiers due to combat related action in Iraq in 2004-’05. What do you wish to share about that dreadful time in your military career? This is a very sensitive subject that I usually only talk about with the guys who were there with me, so please excuse me if I don’t go into detail or into specifics. Our losses didn’t occur at once; they happened at various times and locations during our 18-month deployment. But I remember the men we lost and still remember them by name to this day. I remember when I last talked to
them or ate alongside them at the DFAC (dining facility). Then a few hours later, I remember getting the shocking news we lost them. I remember driving to the locations where the attacks took place, recovering the wrecked vehicles and recovering the remains of our fallen brethren. I remember attending their memorial service a few days later at the make-shift chapels packed with soldiers from our unit & from other units.
How did you feel at the time? Extremely sad. Whether a unit deployed overseas realizes it or not, it develops a close familial bond it probably never really had back home stateside. So, when we lost one of our soldiers, it truly was like losing a brother and member of our family. At the memorial service, an eerie thought would often cross my mind that maybe it will be me who is next with my combat boots, my dog tags, my weapon and my face on a photo in the next memorial service. What lessons have you learned that still ring true today? During my first tour in Iraq whenever I went out on patrols I would wonder if it’ll be the last time I, or perhaps one or more than one of my soldiers, will exit that gate and never come back. My platoon was hit with two IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and was shot at countless times. But, by the grace of God, I eventually came home safe, alive and in one piece. As a Sheriff ’s Officer now, that same thought crosses my mind every time I kiss my family good-bye, walk out that door and drive to work. I wonder if will be the very last time like it was going out that gate in Iraq. So, I never take life for granted, I treat each day as if it will be my last, and always keep my guard up. You have a lot of experience in the military. How does your military experience play a role in both your routine duties and emergency situations as a Sheriff’s Officer? Wearing a uniform and carrying a weapon makes me realize how dangerous our jobs can be. A life can be lost at any given moment and when we least expect it. My
experience has taught me to always stay alert and always keep my guard up and never become complacent. Emergencies and life threatening situations occur at any given moment even when it may seem nothing happens 99% of the time. Doing our jobs properly and safely best ensures we come home to our families. You have almost 7 years on the force with the Sheriff’s Department. What advice do you give rookies in your department today that you attribute to both your military and police experience? If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. So, always do what is right and what is just, even when those around you may not. Otherwise, you may become no different than the criminal offenders you deal with. Wearing that uniform and badge carries with it great responsibility. Your community will always depend and look up to you whenever a problem occurs, even though those same people you serve to protect may or may not appreciate what you do. -End of interviewAs he walked toward his car in the parking lot, I come to the realization that there are complicated emotions and feelings that can never be fully understood by those who have never lost a friend in combat. Although he has talked about some of his feelings and reactions, words can never describe the pain someone goes through from losing a friend in the unique environment of a combat zone. All he can do now is to look forward to the future and grow both personally and professionally. He will always live with the constant reminder that life is precious and should never be taken for granted. Living every day to the fullest is all that anyone can do and is a lesson we should all strive to truly learn. NJ Blue Now thanks all of its officers that continue to serve their country and hope that they stay safe and sound. Please support nationally accredited veteran charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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CORRECTIONS
Professional Criminal?
Professional Clean-Up and Restoration Should Be Done By Professionals By Antonella Rao
A
s much efforts as law enforcement officials make to maintain a safe environment, their toil pales in comparison to the free time a convicted criminal has in his or her cell. A corrections officer may devote his or her heart and soul into the job, but the fact is that when work is done, the officer goes home. A significant other, the kids, Fido, karaoke night, and nursing home visitation hours could dominate an officer’s attention when the day is done. But what does a criminal do when Officer Smith goes home? They have hours upon hours to dig into the depths of their creativity and find a way to skirt the rules, also known as ‘plan an attack’.
Containment is first and foremost. Even before the forensic investigation begins, the area must be roped off, sealed with temporary plastic sheeting, or cordoned off by the infamous “crime scene” tape. Anyone not involved in the investigation or cleanup is urged to stay out of the area. With diseases like Hepatitis and AIDS vying for a place in a handler’s eyes or mouth, it’s a danger zone; only biohazard professionals should be allowed in. To achieve the highest level of containment and lower the potential for contamination, a professional clean-up company should be involved. It’s not fun to break up the pathogen party, but somebody’s got to do it.
How often does a jailed individual or corrections officer get stabbed, burned, or injured by a filed down toothbrush, a whip made of shoelaces and razor blades, or plastic melted and hardened to create a blade? With 23 hours a day, anyone could be a Nikola Tesla, inventor extraordinaire, and a bed sheet could become deadlier than a dagger. The result of such free time and inventive spirit, homemade weapons and in-house violence, is a growing problem in jails around the country. Over and over again, cells are splattered with blood, bone, and internal organs. Aside from the emotional disturbance this is sure to cause, the cold reality is the potential biohazard posed by bodily fluids in an open area. Let’s take a look at what exactly “biohazard” means: “The presence of microorganisms that holds a potential risk to humans and the environment.” In other words, blood and other bodily fluids are an oasis for dangerous pathogens that seek nothing more than their next host. Some are airborne and some catchable by fluid transfer; these microorganisms are hazardous to the health of anyone at the scene and require immediate containment, cleanup, and restoration. 20
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the area. Who are you going to call? Not the Ghostbusters! You’re going to call a professional biohazard clean-up company. A criminal with days, weeks, months, and years in a cell becomes a professional-an expert at his or her trade. Who can match that mess made by a professional? Another professional can. You can’t expect a janitorial crew to be able to handle the emotional impact or the physical hazards. Not that they don’t deserve the award for one of the most unfairly looked down upon jobs, but they just don’t have the resources to clear out something that could potentially cause a life-altering sickness. Between the impenetrable and chemicalsafe coveralls, the respirator masks, and the rigid Thursday morning drills and tutorials, a crime scene should only be handled by professionals. They enter the scene and first haul out anything that could have been contaminated. Forget the dumpsters; company experts use the federal and state approved red biohazard bags.
At this point, it would be ideal if the mess could be contained, hidden from view, and forgotten. But unfortunately, a biohazard is a much more complicated situation; there is no “out of sight, out of mind.” Once containment is achieved, the forensic investigation takes place. Evidence is gathered, and measurements are made to determine what happened and who is responsible. Still, as smart and hardworking a forensic investigator might be, he or she is still not sanctioned to clean
Clean-up is much less than a breeze. Think of a heavy-duty chemical cleaner. Now think about that cleaner on performance enhancing drugs, with a bit of an anger problem. That’s the kind of stuff real professional company crews apply to an area. The bottom line is this: A criminal might be devoted to murdering his archenemy, but ‘restoration professionals’ are just as dedicated to getting any evidence of that tussle out of the way. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us directly. Professional Restoration LLC www.professional-restoration.com 201-868-4817
To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
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y tor s er
SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO
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America’s Toughest Sheriff By Daniel Del Valle
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irst elected into office in 1992, Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio has been successfully reelected to an unprecedented sixth 4-year term as Sheriff of Maricopa County in the State of Arizona. Sheriff Arpaio is known as “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” a name given to him years ago by the media. He has built a reputation for fighting crime and drug trafficking in the world and is the head of our nation’s third largest Sheriff ’s Office which employs over 3,400 people. As the top law enforcement officer in Maricopa County, Sheriff Arpaio is known for his ‘get tough’ policies and outspoken stance as an advocate for strong enforcement of immigration law.
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To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
NJ Blue Now: Sheriff, What made you initially go into law enforcement? Sheriff Joe Arpaio: When I was young I had always wanted to be an FBI agent. I joined the army when I turned 18 and graduated from high school. The Korean War broke out all about the same time. I went into the army for three years then pursued my dreams of being in law enforcement. Where did you first start your career? I joined the Washington, D.C. Police Department. Then when I was 21, the Metropolitan Police; and then went to the Las Vegas Police Department for a short time. I was lucky enough to get the federal narcotic agent position. I spent 28 years fighting drugs around the world. When did you decide to become a sheriff? I decided in 1992 when I was 60 years old that I would run for sheriff. I’ve been sheriff for 21 years and have been working 50 years in law enforcement. So, what is known as the DEA today was known as the Bureau of Narcotics during that time? I was sworn in with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics Treasury Department. Then it became Bureau of Narcotics in Dangerous Drugs to the Drug Enforcement Administration. They kept reorganizing, so now it’s called the DEA. How old are you now? Eighty-one and proud of it. Most people who are 81 years old are enjoying retirement. Why aren’t you doing the same? That’s a good question. Let me put it this way. I don’t have any family problems or big issues to cause me to retire, so I do it. I just wish I ran for sheriff a little sooner than when I was 60. I meet sheriffs all the time, and they don’t have even 5 percent of the type of publicity or stress that you have. With all these lawsuits and controversies, does that take a toll on you? I don’t have any stress. I got the White House, the Department of Justice, ACLU,
politicians and everybody stirring in the pot, but you don’t see me worrying about it.
talks about it other than the controversial programs that we have, which is okay.
Sheriff, in your opinion, when an inmate comes to your jail, what is the purpose? Do you want to rehabilitate or punish him? Well, both—punishment and we try and do give them an education.
Tell me about your jails. We have about eight to ten thousand inmates a day in a small jail, and we have about five jails. We have two new ones that we built.
In your state, do sheriffs run the jails? Sheriffs were elected to run jails and now I run the jails. We have the largest jail system in the country. Being elected, I don’t worry about bureaucracy, governors or anybody else. I report directly to the four million people that live in this county. So consequently, I do what I feel is right and get by with it. Now you have a program where you house inmates in tents. What is that about? When I ran for office in ’92, I made a promise that I would put up tents in the desert--Korean War tents--and I made a big deal over that just to send a message out. We celebrated our 20-year anniversary this year since putting tents in the desert, but sometimes it gets to be 140 degrees in those tents. If our men and women fighting for our country live in tents, why shouldn’t they? Has an inmate ever died under those conditions? No, I haven’t had anybody die in the desert in the heat of exhaustion or cold. Do you feel you are violating the civil rights of these inmates? Where does it say in the Constitution that you have to have air conditioning or the food has to be steak? I mean, where do you see all that? I’m not violating anything. And if they think I am, they can sue me. So what?
The pink underwear is something that everybody talks about. Is it your intention forcing inmates to wear pink underwear to humiliate them so they won’t come back to prison? Not really in that sense. The official reason of the underwear was because inmates were smuggling the white underwear out of the jail and it was hard to keep track of the pairs of underwear they were smuggling. I decided to dye them all pink because nobody wears pink underwear—everybody would know it was ours. The other reason is the fact they don’t like it. Why would we give them a color they like? Sheriff, the philosophy that you have is to give the inmates something they don’t like so they won’t come back? Yeah. Why would you give them things they like? Are you supposed to be punished when you go to jail? Everybody says don’t use the word punishment; you can’t say punishment. Why can’t you say it? I took away all their porno, movies and TV, other than the weather channel. Isn’t that punishable? They only have the weather channel? I show them the weather channel, and I also show them C-SPAN so they can suffer watching the politicians. The other channel
What other programs does your jail facilitate? How I hate to ruin my reputation, but I feel we have the best drug prevention program in the United States. We also have a high school. We tour a high school with juveniles doing their time in jail versus prison, because they have been charged with serious adult-like crimes. I can go on and on with what we have, but nobody NJ Blue now | march 2014
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is the food channel so they can learn how to cook. Why do you have to show them cable? Where in the Constitution or anywhere that says you have to give them all the TV? I haven’t heard it. I’m the guy who runs the jail. I’m the TV guy and determine what they should watch. Do you feel you are going too far with that? No. I know how far I can go. I’m going to do something that is going to be controversial next week, but I’ll stick by it. We have 300 veterans in our jails doing time, and I am going to put them in one space and segregate it and give them a special trade to try to find them a job when they get out. Now that you brought it up, let’s talk about veterans and inmates with mental health issues. Do you have any compassion for them at all or do you put them in the same category as a real criminal? Of course, I have compassion for them, but I am going to put them together and help them. We’ve been trying to do that for them anyway—trying to do that for all the inmates; but on the other hand, this is special to me. I’m a veteran. I put flags in every cell and those who mess with the flag, I put them on bread and water. I have ten on bread and water now; I also make them sing God Bless America and our National Anthem. I hired 100 veterans. The President and everybody always talk about we have to take care of our veterans, and that’s all they do is talk. So, I actually hire them. All these politicians and bureaucrats-all they do is talk. As far as the jail system you have there, some critique you for grandstanding. Are there any thoughts on that? Yeah, they call me a publicity hound. I don’t run a CIA secret operation. I’m hoping that when people read this, they will know what I am doing. Am I supposed to do everything in secret? So, I do grandstand. Sheriff, how do you keep meals so cheap? Obviously, you were disappointed with 40 cents a meal. Here, it cost like 5 dollars a meal, if that. The reason it’s gone up is the economy. We go out and get a lot of donations, and we 24
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send trucks to pick up the discarded fruits and vegetables. I don’t feed them steak. For example, I give them brunch, which is a peanut butter sandwich and an orange. Now that is a combination of a breakfast and a lunch. Then at night, we give them a hot meal. It’s not steak. By the way, I took away all their meat so they can eat their vegetarian meals. So that is how I keep it down, but you feed them. Why should we give them three meals a day, when the poor people have to pay for their meals? In fact, I’m going to start charging them a lunchbox for any of their meals. How do you look at sheriffs or wardens who cater to inmates? I am not going to criticize sheriffs. That’s their business what they do in their county. What I do in mine is all I care about. How many inmates do you have in your facility, Sheriff? Today I have 8,500. We used to have 10 thousand. The population has gone down a bit. Are you a racist? Of course not! I don’t get into my personal family ethnic backgrounds, so why would I even talk about it. The answer is, No. Do you see Hispanics as being beneath you? Of course not. They are part of my family. Let’s leave it at that. I’ve never had any problems with foreign people. I always get along with them. So, they can call me anything they want. As a cop, they like to do that because they can’t get me any other way. I’m talking to all those activists including Al Sharpton who led 10 thousand people against me three or four years ago. You know what? I had him in my office to come and see me. We had a nice talk. Oh wow, how was that? It was good. I didn’t know he was a minister or reverend. I would have offered him a little beer or something. You’ve received a lot of criticism from the anti-illegal immigration bill (SB-1070). How do you think the residents in your county benefit from illegal immigrants having identification cards? Well, let’s put it this way. We are responsible
for 50 thousand on the streets or in the jails that may have been investigated here lately. It’s very interesting; crime has gone down just about the year we started our push of immigration, but this is something that has to be resolved one day. In the meantime, I took an oath of office, and when you take an oath, I presume you should follow that. I’m locking people up who violate the law. If you don’t like it, change the law. Do you have a problem with illegal immigrants in your county committing a lot of crimes? Two or three years ago, 18 percent of the people in the jail who committed all different types of crimes were here illegally. That’s gone down to about eight to 10 percent. Immigration has slowed a little, but we still don’t have any problems locking people up. How do you feel about illegal immigrants breaking the law? I’m against the Embassy. I don’t believe that they should be giving amnesty for those who broke the law and came here. I look at it as a fairness issue. There are many people around the world who want to come here and be U.S. citizens. They wait for years. They don’t break the law, and yet when someone comes into this country illegally and gets a free pass out of jail, that’s not fair. We know your reputation with your decisions regarding jail, inmates, civilians and criminals. What’s your relationship with your staff? I got good morale even though we are the lowest paid armed forces, and I keep fighting to get more money to pay them. I used to have 4,000 employees, but now it’s like 3,500; but that doesn’t bother me. My employees know the sheriff backs them up. That’s one thing they know. I don’t throw them under the bus. I back my employees. Why do you feel backing them up is the right thing to do? I’ll tell you a secret and they know it. They can’t con me. I’ve been through it all. I understand what they go through. It’s not easy. I’m not here to lock up my deputies or fire them. I am out here to defend them. If they do something wrong, I am going to have to take care of that, but I don’t go around trying to say they violated the To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
“So I took the blows and did it my way. Traveled each and every highway, and that’s the way it’s going to be.”
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badge. I have people who do that. I don’t run a tough ship in that regard. I want flexibility. If they do their job and they get in trouble, I am going to back them up no matter what people say. Are your officers at will employees? No, the only ones at will are those I make deputy chief. When it comes to union representation, do you have a good relationship with the police unions? I have no problems with unions. It’s not my union. I help them out. They go out and endorse people, too. In the last few years, boy, am I their friend because I help them get things passed through legislature. I take care of the cops. I think unions can somewhat be a little helpful, but they can be irritating, too if they try to run an organization. Nobody runs my organization except me. I’m very sensitive about that. Do you have abuse of power issues in your department? No—I mean we had a few shootings, but my deputies are pretty good. It doesn’t mean you should give them a medal for killing someone. You should give them a medal for not killing someone. I have great confidence in my deputies. How many more years do you plan on being in law enforcement, Sheriff? Well, I’ll be 82 in June. I already announced that I’m running again in 2016. Every four years people want me to run for governor. I put it out that I may do it and every four 26
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years the media shows up with a big press conference, and then at the last minute I say I’m staying as sheriff. I think they get tired of that (laughing). So are you planning to run for governor? The governor is leaving, and I’ve raised 3 million dollars already in the last nine months. What sheriff raises millions of dollars? Over the years what kept me from doing it is the minute I say I’m running for governor, I have to leave the sheriff ’s office. I don’t know if I want to give this job up to somebody else, so I still hang in there. Next year, I’ll put it out again and the media will go crazy and say I’m conning them; but if I were a betting guy, I would say I’m running for sheriff in 2016. That will be my 7th four-year term. After you leave office, what do you hope your predecessor will do after your departure? When I was at the DEA, every time I got transferred over to a new office or left the office, the philosophy was to never look back. So, the answer to that is “Hey, that couldn’t bother me. I did my thing. I’m famous. Like my favorite song by Frank Sinatra says: ‘I did it my way.’ I’m famous!” So, if the new sheriff came in and let the ACLU take over, will you be a disappointed? No, what am I going to do, go home and get drunk or something? That’s their problem. Sheriff, when there are no more cameras and you are no longer the important guy, what would you like to be remembered for? You know you’ve asked some really good questions. First of all, just understand that when I’m gone, you’ll probably never call me. Once you’re gone, you’re dead and buried. So, how do I want to be remembered? This song I just mentioned that I sing or try to sing at fundraisers: “So I took the blows and did it my way. Traveled each and every highway, and that’s the way
it’s going to be.” Is there anything you would like to tell your wife? I would want to thank her for allowing me to do it ‘my way.’ Any words of wisdom for your kids? Dawn did a great job raising the kids. I wasn’t always home; I was working in law enforcement. The kids turned out okay, and I’m kind of fortunate in that regard. What would you tell an officer who is contemplating suicide who reads this interview? Don’t give up. You should never kill. I know you have problems, but fight back. You’ll be okay. Any advice for sheriffs or leaders in New Jersey trying to get tips on how to be a powerful leader like you? To those elected officials, remember you are elected. You don’t serve the governor or politicians--just serve the people. The sheriff is a very powerful position so just make sure that you utilize your power in the right way. Do you think our country is going to be a better America or are we going to have problems? Today is a little different when I grew up, and I don’t know if we are ever going to get back to the old days again. Are you scared of anything in this world, Sheriff? I’m not scared of anything. Who do you think was the best president we’ve had? Don’t know, quite frankly. I haven’t studied all the histories of all of our presidents. But, let me just say this. Even with sheriffs, everybody leaves something. They may criticize, but every president has done some good. Sheriff, it’s been a pleasure. Any last words you would like to say? I very seldom get someone to say a couple of good things about me. Thanks for what you do because of the power of the print.
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SURVIVAL SURVIVING AN ARMED ENCOUNTER
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary with Sgt. Ken Hogan (ret.) By Captain Donna Roman Hernandez (ret.)
O
n January 24, 1994, Irvington Police Sergeant Ken Hogan was ambushed in his police car by a suspect on a mission to kill him. Nineteen bullets were fired at Hogan and four of them penetrated his body--the last bullet
lodged in his skull. Left for dead, Sergeant Hogan bravely implemented his well-honed plan and survived this near-fatal shooting. Annually, on January 24th, Sergeant Hogan (ret.) gathers with his law enforcement colleagues and friends to celebrate his life.
Hogan is often called upon to speak to police departments and criminal justice agencies in New Jersey and elsewhere about how he survived an armed encounter. NJ Blue Now salutes Sgt. Ken Hogan’s courage!
Inside view of patrol vehicle’s front seat where Hogan was ambushed L-R: Hogan & Brian Bartiroma at the DDVRADIO Studio on 1/23/14
L-R: John Baroud, President, Rutgers School of Criminal Justice Alumni & Hogan
View of bullet holes on hood and front window of Hogan’s patrol vehicle Hogan speaking to Rutgers UniversityNewark criminal justice students
L-R: Nicole Graffa, Hogan & Patty Graffa at the recent 20th year anniversary celebration
Shell casing markers of rounds fired at Hogan during the armed encounter
Hogan speaking during the National Crime Victims Week in Trenton, New Jersey
Hogan receiving an award at the 20th year anniversary celebration
View of where the round entered into Sgt. Hogan’s head
L-R: Hogan and Donna Roman Hernandez, NJ Blue Now Editor
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NJ Blue now | march 2014
Hogan guesting on the TOUGH JUSTICE Talk Radio Show on January 23, 2014
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By Bob Jagendorf from Manalapan, NJ, USA (NJ Governor Chris Christie) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
feature story
Can Governor Christie
Save Your Pension? By John Bury, EA
G
overnor Christie believes that ‘extreme measures’ are necessary to salvage the pensions of New Jersey public employees and retirees. So do I and on February 26, 2014, I had the pleasure of presenting my assessment of the health of these plans to a group of Police and Firefighter union representatives. The chart I brought to this meeting as part of that presentation tells a story that you have not been hearing from official sources. Prichard, Alabama, Central Falls, Rhode Island and Detroit, Michigan have all substantially cut benefits for all participants including current retirees. Several states, including New Jersey, have effectively eliminated cost-of-living-adjustments on pensions for all retirees. Practically every state is reducing benefits for new hires and health benefits are being threatened.
New Jersey ranks near the very bottom in the financial health of their pensions. The New Jersey Division of Investment reports having $76.67 billion as of October 31, 2013, in pension assets. Comparing the status of the New Jersey plans over the last twelve years from official actuarial reports explains why. Liabilities have doubled over the last twelve years, even under the rosy assumptions used to calculate these numbers, but the market value of trust assets has actually declined by over $10 billion over that period as a result of more retirees getting bigger pensions and contributions being either deferred or severely reduced. 30
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The real extent of the problem is revealed when isolating the expected value of current retiree benefits. As of July 1, 2012, there were reported to be about 284,000 retirees getting $8.4 billion annually. If you were to buy annuities to be purchased for all these retirees, the plans would still fall over $50 billion short and that does not even take into account: •P ension Obligation Bonds to be repaid •E mployees’ own contributions that have not been returned to them •Q uestionable values placed on 38% of the fund in Alternative Investments • 475 thousand non-retirees All this might still be overcome if not for the fact that the sponsor happens to be in the worst fiscal condition in the nation according to a recent study. Governor Christie seems to have finally woken up to the real state of the New Jersey pension system but his campaign to scare stakeholders straight makes his handling of Bridgegate appear adriot by comparison. According to reports he asserts, “I’m ready to work with the entire Legislature to come up with ideas to fix this, but if they’re unwilling to do that, this is a problem we’re going to own,” Christie said during a town hall in Stirling, not far from his home in Mendham. “I’m willing to take more extreme measures.” On his radio show on NJ 101.5 FM, Christie said he has “significant powers” through
“executive action” to make changes to the pension system. He declined to elaborate. In 2011 he had concrete ideas (dumb ones, but concrete) and got them implemented. They failed and now he wants something extreme which could be anything from across the board cuts to divine intervention. If he’s looking for ideas, here’s one: put whoever does have good ideas based on honest information in charge and stop butting in. “Think about that, nine out of every 10 dollars goes for nothing that is productive for our future as a state,” Christie said. “It merely pays for past mistakes and bad promises.” Those past mistakes include promises made to retirees (who foolishly believed what was in their employee handbook) that politicians who insist on being addressed as ‘honorable’ are about to welch on. “I’m not going to worry about politics anymore everybody,” Christie said. “This is it. I’m on the back nine. When you’re on the back nine and you don’t have to worry about playing another nine, your only obligation is to tell people the truth.” So what was it that we got on that front nine? John Bury is the President of Bury & Associates, Inc., Consulting Actuaries. He may be contacted at John@BuryPensions. com and www.BuryPensions.com.
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TRIBUTE
The Ultimate Sacrifice By Peter Prince Capt. Donna Roman Hernandez (ret.)
“In the face of incredible danger, law enforcement officers display remarkable bravery and are trained to be strong to the very end .” ~ Anonymous It was Holy Thursday, April 17, 2003, when 18-year veteran Fair Lawn police officer, Mary Ann Collura, was shot and killed by drug dealer, Omar Marti, on the grounds of Van Riper Ellis Broadway Baptist Church in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. When those shots rang out, they were heard by Victoria Prince, who with her husband, Peter, lived a couple of blocks away from the unfolding tragedy. “It was my wife who found out that a Fair Lawn police officer was down,” said Peter. “We didn’t know at the time it was Mary Ann, but when we found out, I was very saddened and moved. Though I had never met Mary Ann personally, I had known she was Fair Lawn’s first female police officer and heard through my children and their friends, how beloved and respected she was throughout the community.” It was that sense of Mary Ann being the first woman on the force, a trailblazer that inspired Peter Prince to write a song honoring her life and sacrifice called The Ultimate Sacrifice. Peter said, “I felt this woman as being a very special and complete person, tough but fair, no nonsense when she had to be, but always compassionate and a fun-loving sense of humor to boot.” Songwriting wasn’t new to Peter. He had been at it for over 25 years and had much of his material published at the time (ACM Records). Peter said, “I was a child of the 60’s, so what I wrote always had a folk/ country, storytelling flavor, and since I had been working with musicians down in Nashville, I ended up with a song with that kind of sensibility. My first thought 32
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was to try and get the CD to someone in the Fair Lawn Police Department who could perhaps use it for the memorial fund I had heard about, and that is what led me to Detective/Chaplain David Boone, who was also the President of PBA Local 67 at the time. When I brought the song to David, I was a bit nervous, since I didn’t know if he would like it or not, as there is a certain rawness to what I wrote as well as the moaning sound of the fiddle that
runs through it. I knew it might be tough to listen to at first, especially for her family, but hoped eventually it would act as a tool for healing. It turned out that David was very moved by it, and we went ahead and got a good number of copies to be sold, with all proceeds going to her memorial scholarship fund. Each year, when the town honors Mary Ann in April, the song is played as part of the ceremony.” One of the most rewarding experiences for Peter was when he began to hear from Mary Ann’s family. Peter recalled, “Her brother
Paul, called me one day, had me come out to visit and showed me a tattoo placed on his arm of a rose with lines from the song around it, ‘Angel Wings I’m sure she’ll find’. I was blown away. A year and a half after Mary Ann’s passing, I received a wonderful email from Mary Ann’s sister, Linda, about how she and her mother Helen attended a conference in Boston of the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) where Mary Ann posthumously received The Medal of Valor. Linda told me she and Helen gave the coordinator of the convention, Ms. Mylan Masson, the song as a gift, and it was played several times. It resonated strongly with everyone present, and Ms. Masson said it would become their memorial anthem and has been played as well as performed live at their yearly conventions held throughout the country and world. Both Mrs. Collura (who has since passed away) and oldest sister Pat were very warm and supportive of what I had done, and I was honored and grateful for that.” In 2005, the story of The Ultimate Sacrifice took another turn. Peter received a call from a woman named Colene “CoCo” Walters, who in the early 90’s had come to Nashville from Detroit to try and make it as a country artist. She was heard by the legendary Porter Wagoner, who was looking for someone to be his duet partner to replace Dolly Parton, who had left to start her own solo career. Colene got the job and sang with Porter at The Grand Ole Opry as well as on several Nashville TV shows. She also went on to perform with another country legend, Johnny Russell, who wrote “Act Naturally” recorded by the Beatles and many others. To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
The Ultimate Sacrifice Words and music by Peter Prince Publisher: ACM Records
VERSE: Was a soldier She was a friend Was a protector On who we could depend She was a woman As tough as nails With a heart of gold That would not fail VERSE: She was a hero Came on the run The shots rang out She shed her blood The town fell silent No songbird sang “Gone but not forgotten” The church bells rang CHORUS: And we can only wonder why The good ones die, before their time Angel wings I’m sure she’ll find A reward for, THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE VERSE: She was a leader Helped keep us strong She was a teacher Taught us right from wrong Just like a Lighthouse She showed the way A lovin’ beacon That will shine always, CHORUS: REPEAT TAG LINE----Angel wings I’m sure she’ll find. Copyright 2003/BMI
Peter reminisced, “Colene got to hear The Ultimate Sacrifice on a country website I had joined and loved it. She went ahead and recorded it with a few changes and we re-titled her version Angel Wings. Since the initial recording of Angel Wings, Coco has performed it at many of her concerts in the Midwest and New England, telling the story of Mary Ann when introducing the song. Colene came to Fair Lawn to perform Angel Wings at last year’s 10th anniversary memorial concert and remembrance for Mary Ann, at the very same church where her watch ended. The story truly came full circle, with David Boone, her good friend and fellow officer, having been installed as the senior pastor of Van Riper Ellis Broadway Baptist Church. Mary Ann’s life and sacrifice will never be forgotten and I’m very proud that The Ultimate Sacrifice/Angel Wings has helped to keep her memory alive.” The Fair Lawn Police Department will hold its annual remembrance ceremony honoring the life of Officer Mary Ann Collura on April 17, 2014 @ 3 p.m. at Fair Lawn Town Hall, 8-01 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn, New Jersey. On that date, Officer Collura’s painted portrait will be permanently placed in the Fair Lawn Courtroom. Peter Prince was raised in Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan. His involvement in music began in the 60’s with the “folk boom.” He sang professionally with folk groups in many of the local bars and coffee houses in Greenwich Village while attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Peter began songwriting in the 1970’s and is published by ACM Records. His songs have been used on both network and cable TV, as well as played on various AM and FM radio stations around the country and in large sports venues such as Madison Square Garden and Shea Stadium. Peter and his wife, Victoria are 35year residents of Fair Lawn. They are the parents of two daughters, Elisabeth and Emily, and the grandparents of three grandsons: Nick, Stephen and August. Contact Peter Prince at pvprince@aol.com. NJ Blue now | march 2014
33
TRAINING
Chasing Fear By Jay Martinez
I
t is said what the human mind fears, it will eventually hate. Some people fear doing their taxes, their mother-in-laws, heights, and if you’re a Mets fan, you fear playing the Yanks in a three game series when you are 16 games out in mid-May. In the world of law enforcement, we know fear all too well. Dr. Gail Brenner said, “If you’re a human being, chances are you experience fear. These bodies we live in are built for survival, and fear is the gatekeeper. It protects us, keeping us safe and secure by making us wary of any potential threat that might come our way. Fear breeds caution, vigilance, and suspicion.” I have told many of my martial arts tikes before they debut their skills on the mat in their first sparring session, “Fear is an emotion like any other. It plays an important part in our preparation into the unknown. The key is to depend on yourself, your training and to believe in your ability.” I recall how U.S. Marine boot camp helped a private overcome his fear. If you were weary of heights as you climbed the 100 ft. rappel tower, you could expect to be kicked off of the edge as soon as you heard the belay man scream out “on belay!” Or, if you had a fear of water, you could expect the same treatment, as you climbed to the top of the 25 foot deck, overlooking the deep end of the training pool. Years later, I was able to examine that extreme Marine coping mechanism. The plan was a simple and well thought out system. They applied training to all roots of the prescribed fear. They conditioned your mind and your body in relation to confronting that which you feared. As the confrontation ensued between you and what you feared, and you flinched, the Marines applied a theory of drop kicking you head first into the experience of whooping your fears. You were forced to utilize all of your accrued skills and training to defeat your fears, a simple-sink or swim theory. Fear occurs when we are gripped so intensely that our confidence has been eroded and destroyed. A lackluster attitude in the face of adversity will not cut it. Only those who pull up their big boy pants, take a cleansing breath and utter to themselves, “I’m trained 34
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and prepared for this,” will get the job done. You may be in your favorite location (sitting on the porcelain throne) and reading my article. At some point, utilizing your non-wiping hand, of course, you scratched your head and repeatedly asked yourself, “Where in holy hell is he going with all of this fear business?” Well, I am not done pulling similes and rabbits out of my Yankee hat. How many times have you heard the epic Bible story of David and Goliath?
But, did you know: • The 15-year old, 5’-2” shepherd boy commonly took on lions, wolves and bears to protect his flock. • He was the youngest of his siblings. He commonly spent time alone and used that time to sharpen his skills to take out those same wild beasts. • Goliath was a warrior champion. Some say he was 6’-6”, some say close to 9 feet tall. • Goliath wore body armor that easily weighed in excess of 100 pounds. • David attempted to don King Saul’s body armor, but refused to fight in it. It was too cumbersome for the young boy. • Goliath, who fought for the Philistines, may have experienced a medical restriction to his eyes due to a tumor in his pituitary gland as a result of his rapid growth. The giant could not see a pink bunny tying his sandal laces together. This single combat confrontation took place in the Valley of Elah. Research in this part of the Middle East has suggested that the fivechosen rocks that David picked from a nearby brook were no ordinary projectiles. Research proved that rocks in this region were almost like titanium. David had utilized his slingshot on steroids hundreds of times to thwart attacks. David knew that he could slingshot this armor piercing stone at a speed over 90 MPH and lodge it between the eyes of the half-seeing giant.
We know how this deadly force confrontation ends. The giant slayer overcame his fear like any other warrior would have. He focused at the task at hand; he breathed and relaxed his mind. He told himself this is no different than the bears and wolves I have confronted and killed. I have heaved hundreds of stones and have hacked hundreds of heads off with my K bar. I can do this! My motivation behind this article is defined by function and purpose. As police officers, corrections officers, Troopers and SWAT personnel, we commonly find ourselves in those deep, dark places that drive fear into our freaking bones. No backup. No one but ourselves, the panting of our breath, and the thumping of our heartbeat to pull us out and help us win this confrontation. I guarantee every street cop and Trooper who has done this job in a righteous manner can claim that knee-buckling feeling. But as gripping as the fear was, your mettle raced to the rescue to chase it away. Your mettle stole the show and draped your nervous system with confidence. It convinced every muscle, every fiber and every drop of blood pumping through your heart to “keep fighting and never give up!” And just about as your backup arrived and observed you on the ground wrestling with this giant, it was done. Your bracelets were on, and you were in the process of cleaning yourself off. I have been present at dozens of training courses in the last few years, but not too many that tested my willpower and my mettle. I guessed many years ago that if I wanted to win and go home after every tour, I’d better do like Jim Carrey did in the movie Liar Liar and “kick my own ass.” In this business when the rubber meets the road, there are no shortcuts, no excuses and no fantasy tales of how good prevailed over evil. You better find it in yourself to train your ass off, run daily, watch your nutrition, minimize your stress, and keep that tactical tool box full of sharpened tools along with a warrior mindset. If your number was called tonight to fight for your life, do you have what it takes to override that fear factor and get yourself home? Talk is cheap--get it done. Stay safe. To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
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35
remembrance
Officer James F. Lynch Trenton State Prisons. Lynch served in the Coast Guard Reserve during the 1980s and earned his professional captain’s license in 1990. He joined the Conrail Police Department and worked as a K-9 handler with his partner, a German shepherd called Sabre.
O
fficer James F. Lynch, a 22-year veteran, was appointed as a police officer to the Port Authority Police Department on April 9, 1979. After graduating from the police academy, Officer Lynch worked at Newark International Airport and the Bus Terminal until he transferred in October 1993 to the World Trade Center. Officer Lynch was responsible for the emergency response and handling of hazardous materials at the World Trade Center. Throughout his career, Lynch received numerous meritorious police duty citations and a Group Valor for his rescue efforts during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Prior to joining the Port Authority, Officer Lynch was a state corrections officer at Rahway and
On September 11, 2001, Officer Lynch was enroute to a medical appointment for a recent surgery but immediately diverted to the World Trade Center upon learning of the attack on the towers. Upon arrival, he went to his office and a storage room on Level B to retrieve extra firefighting apparatus, communications, and emergency supplies for the rescue workers. Officer Lynch called his mother to let her know that he was fine and that was the last time she heard from him.
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enforcement. Lynch was an avid angler and his first boat was a 16-footer. In 1980, Officer Lynch received his Captain’s license for boating from the U.S. Coast Guard and co-owned a 27-foot charter boat, the “Finaddict”, with his longtime fishing partner Bruce. He served with the Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association and chaired several committees. On October 30, 2001, the Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association christened the ‘Jim Lynch’, a 178-foot tanker barge, as a permanent shipwreck on the Axel Carlson Reef site located 40 degrees 02.84 foot latitude, 73 degrees 59.61 foot longitude. Lynch was always there for his family and his co-workers. He would routinely stop at his mother’s house to help her, spend time with his 15-year-old son, James, and visit with his 100-year old grandmother. He loved to vacation in the Florida Keys so he could fish, and he held season tickets for the New York Jets with his brother Peter.
James F. Lynch, age 47, was born and raised in Edison, New Jersey and was one of five siblings. He moved to Woodbridge just nine months prior to September 11, 2001. He attended St. Matthew School in Edison and graduated with the Class of 1972 of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen. He graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute with a certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration and worked at Fedders in Edison. He then decided to go into law
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: njbluenow@gmail.com 36
NJ Blue now | march 2014
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technology 5.11 TACTICAL® UNVEILS LIMITED-EDITION, CUSTOM-DESIGNED STRIDER™ KNIFE Companies Collaborate to Release 511 U.S. Manufactured Strider/5.11 Strider Military Folder Knife
MODESTO, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2014)–5.11 Tactical®, the global innovator of tactical gear, today announced that the company has partnered with leading knife manufacturer, Strider™ Knives, to release the Strider/5.11 Strider Military Folder (SMF), a customdesigned tactical knife. Made in the U.S., the knife, which is manufactured with CTS-B75P steel for ultimate corrosion and wear resistance, brings together two companies with a common ethos—to make high-quality, functional products based on feedback from those who work in the field. As a limited-edition product, there will only be 511 knives made. Each piece, available at www.511tactical.com later this month, will include a custom nylon case, a “Raider” patch inspired by the WWII Marine Raiders’ patch and a certificate of authenticity signed by Tom Davin, 5.11 Tactical Chief Executive Officer, and Strider Knives Co-owner, Duane Dwyer. “From the product’s design, to its durability and U.S. manufacturing, the Strider/5.11 SMF knife reflects the core values, mission and ethos of both 5.11 Tactical and Strider Knives,” said Davin. “We’ve long admired the work of Duane Dwyer and the whole Strider Knives team. Collaborating with the Strider experts to create a knife that fits the needs of our combined customer base has been a unique, yet organic, partnership resulting in a beautiful, limited-edition product.” With a sleek design, rooted in simplicity, the Strider/5.11 SMF knife is engineered with minimum components while staying true to the key components Strider Knives have become known for, including a titanium slab frame lock, a glass epoxy laminate handle and a rough peel surface for positive grip. The blade design is a drop point, hand 40
NJ Blue now | march 2014
flat ground with a simple break on the spine and no false edge. “The Strider/5.11 SMF knife is truly a work of craftsmanship,” said Dwyer. “By engineering with utilitarian requirements in mind, we’ve created a knife that is both a workhorse and a battlefield companion— regardless of where your battle takes place. The subtle yet impactful features are demonstrative of the commitment to quality both companies were founded on and remain committed to.” The Strider/5.11 SMF knife boasts oneof-a-kind features including a custommade pivot pin, custom fasteners and a Titanium handle with G10 scales. For durability and long-lasting performance, this is the first Strider knife to incorporate CTS-B75P steel—an alloy from Carpenter Technologies that that is highly resistant to corrosion and wear—allowing users to more easily maintain a sharp edge for an extended period of time. The Strider/5.11 SMF knife can be purchased on 511tactical.com later this month and will retail for $599.99.
About Strider Knives
Strider Knives is a privately owned and operated company devoted solely to the development and construction of edged tools designed to survive use in the harshest of conditions. The company was founded and is currently operated by former military personnel. The initial goal was to provide a field service knife constructed with the finest components available, yet affordable to the average enlisted man and within his maintenance abilities.
The initial goal having been met, Strider Knives found a ready market for customedged weapons and tools with the same component quality requirements as the first highly successful field knives. Many of Striders available edged tools are drawn from customer’s specific design requirements. Others are simply the company’s ability to look at a potential work environment and design a prototype to be tested and assessed by the workers of that environment. The background of Strider Knives founders enables the company to assess requirements in diverse fields ranging from the average line soldier/marine through special operations, law enforcement and hunting to commercial diving. Various Strider designs have met and exceeded the requirements in each of these fields. Learn more about Strider Knives at www.striderknives.com.
About 5.11 Tactical
Based in Irvine and Modesto CA, 5.11 Tactical collaborates directly with end users/ operators to create purpose-built apparel and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of Military, Public Service professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 Tactical products exceed rigorous and exacting standards which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity. The 5.11 Tactical brand has established itself as the premier choice of Duty-Driven Professionals. Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling tactical clothing, uniforms, station-wear, outerwear, footwear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Connect with 5.11 Tactical on Facebook at www.facebook.com/511Tactical and on Twitter (@511Tactical). To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
A Family Practice That Feels Like Home. Affiliated Foot & Ankle Specialists
Our offices offer individual care for all members of the family and provide the most comprehensive foot and ankle care available. New patients are always welcome and immediate appointments are often available.
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events
Nj Honor Legion Pines Manor February 26, 2014
Photo Credit: Willis Hulings
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NJ Blue now | march 2014
To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
PASSAIC COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS PBA LOCAL 197 PRESENTS
PUBLIC SAFETY FIGHT NIGHT Olympic Style Boxing Fundraiser Three 2 minute rounds Sanctioned by USA Boxing
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events Polar Bear Plunge
SPECIAL OLYMPICS new jersey
T Olympics New Jersey are fundraising
he Polar Bear Plunges for Special
events in which participants pledge $100 or more to take a ‘plunge’ into the chilly water of the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of winter. The Polar Bear Plunge
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, New Jersey February 22, 2014 at Seaside Heights has grown to become the largest single day fundraising effort for Special Olympics New Jersey, a Not-forProfit 501(c)3 organization that provides year round sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with
intellectual disabilities. All proceeds collected by plungers benefit Special Olympics athletes and help to foster the Special Olympics New Jersey mission.
Photo credits: Vincent D’Amico
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NJ Blue now | march 2014
To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
Attn: LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS The Elections for Active Police Representative to the Board of Trustees of the PfrS is on April 1, 2014 IF YOU DO NOT VOTE, DO NOT COMPLAIN IN THE FUTURE.
Good Luck to all the Candidates! POSITION#1 Joseph Bundy (NJ State Prison) POSITION#2 Keith Bennett (Atlantic City Police Dept.) POSITION#3 Wanda Slater (Dept. of Corrections)
NJ Blue now | march 2014
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events
The NYPD Asian Jade Society Honors Captain Ken Gorman By Robert May
O
n February 22, 2014, the NYPD Asian Jade Society held their annual honors and scholarship awards dinner. This sold out event honored former NY Mets pitcher Ron Darling, the CEO of the Sing Tao newspaper and community leader and supporter of the New Jersey Asian American Law Enforcement Officers
Association Robin Mui among others. The NYPD Asian Jade Society came out to support those mentioned as well as our very own Captain Ken Gorman. Captain Gorman has dual membership with the NYPDAJS as well as with the NJAALEOA. The NYPDAJS as surely as the NJAALEOA is extremely proud to have Captain
Gorman as a sworn member. Congratulations to the NYPD Asian Jade Society and their executive board and members for having another sellout event and honoring those that make a difference to law enforcement and to the community.
Honoree Captain Ken Gorman and NJAALEOA President Joseph Luistro
NJAALEOA Executive board members (L-R) Tommy Chung, Jen Alahondo, honoree Captain Ken Gorman, NYPD Detective Hoi Ping Lee and President Luistro. (Not pictured members David Lin, Tony Timbol and Justin Benagh)
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NJ Blue now | march 2014
NJAALEOA President pictured with NJAALEOA supporter and community leader the honorable Commissioner Reginald Ward
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entertainment
e n i t s i r Ch m u n r Ba By Dan Lorenzo
If
you’ve ever watched the television show Tattoos After Dark (every Wednesday night at 11:00 pm) on the Oxygen Network, you’ll know the show centers around two tattoo shops in Venice Beach along with the customers who come to get ink or get pierced. Christine Barnum got her start in modeling, but has always had a love for the arts. Describing herself as a mixture between “Filipino and white”, Christine is a striking female figure in the tattoo world most often filled with men.
tattooed. I got my first tattoo at sixteen. I never pictured myself doing them. I think a few years into piercing my co-workers said, “Why don’t you at least try it because you’re always drawing and making art.” I had no interest in trying it because I didn’t think I had the patience. It was all guys tattooing in my shop. I tried it and it was really hard. I didn’t follow up with it because I didn’t know that medium. After about a year, I picked up the machine and got more interested in it.
Dan Lorenzo: What were you like in high school? Christine Barnum: (Laughs) I was...kind of rebellious with stuff. My mom put me in cheerleading for a year, but then I got kicked out because I was not good at cheerleading and I didn’t really care about school spirit. I was in a couple of high schools. I also became homecoming princess even though I was hardly there.
I’ve heard it’s a struggle being a female in a male dominated industry, but the guys were encouraging you? In the beginning, yeah, but I think when I did start taking it seriously and trying to learn it, I started hearing a few negative comments here and there. Like I should just stick with modeling and not try to get into the tattoo industry. For the most part, it’s been good feedback; but there’s a lot of bad feedback as well because guys dominate this industry.
Really? Yeah, I think it was because I was really nice to people. I don’t know. It could have been because you’re attractive. Or really nice to people. (laughs) I know you started piercing first. When did you get into tattoos? I always liked tattoos because I was getting 48
NJ Blue now | march 2014
When you tattooed your first couple of people, you’re probably more nervous than the person getting the ink, right? Right. How did your first couple tattoos come out?
It’s really hard. I think every time I tattoo I get super nervous because it’s permanent. It’s not like you can erase them. But the first couple of tattoos I did were really small and simple—but I know I wish I could go back. In hindsight, I know that I could thin out some lines because they were really thick lines. They probably lasered it off by now. Were you a fan of reality shows before Tattoos After Dark? I was. I mean, I think everybody is. I think even if you weren’t, you’re still familiar with a few shows because there are more reality shows now than actual TV shows. I always watched a bunch of different shows. Have you ever been to New Jersey? No. I have not. Does your co-worker Jersey Joe seem very different than you native Californians? Joe is very different. He’s really loud (laughs) and he’s very confident. He’s super funny and carefree. He’s completely different. You can tell he’s not a native to California. He has an accent. He’s super adventurous. He’ll do whatever. He’s super super confident. Are people from New Jersey too confident? I think that he’s too confident, but it’s funny. It’s okay, but I think that if he’s a To Advertise Call: 201.881.5100
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entertainment
representative from Jersey, then I feel like a lot of people from Jersey are a little bit too confident; but, that’s just me. I think it’s because I’m so laid back and he’s so loud and super confident. Your other co-worker Asaru, every episode I watch he says getting your significant other’s name tattooed on you is the kiss of death for a relationship. Do you agree with him? Yes, I agree. I have to tell you I got a girl’s name tattooed on me twenty years ago and guess what happened? You broke up?
No. We’re still together. We got married. Did you guys break up at all after you got the tattoo? Never once. Tell your boy Asaru that! I will! (laughs) I read that you’re a pescatarian like me. What made you give up eating meat? I just feel like there’s too many chemicals put into meat today with the steroids. It’s not natural, even the organic ones. I don’t feel like that equation would be good for us. Would you rather be modeling than tattooing? I really love tattooing and I also do hair
If you would like to submit stories, pictures, or suggestions, send us an email at:
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NJ Blue now | march 2014
and make-up as well. Modeling was just something I got thrown into. I’ve done it for years, but it was never my main focus. It was always on the side. From the two, I’d pick tattooing. I really love it. Reality shows are a great launching pad to go on to other things. Do you see Tattoos After Dark as a way to grow your name as an artist or are there other things you want to parlay this into? As an artist, I love to grow and see where this can go. Even being around other artists that are really good inspires me. Not to get too political, but when I think of JFK I think of a good looking young man who women liked, but somebody who was a horrible womanizer and committed infidelity regularly. Does that bother you at all as you have a JFK tattoo? That’s so funny. No. I look at it more as he was one of the presidents that was actually for the people and he tried to get the truth out there and his life was cut short.
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