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EDITORIAL: Police Week – May 15th – May 21st

Harry Scheman presents a check for Project Lifesaver

Harry Scheman presents a check for Project Lifesaver

Presidential Proclamation — Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2016. On Sunday, May 15, 2016 was proclaimed Peace Officers Memorial Day. As per a resolution that was approved on October 1962, this day and week was so designated by President John F. Kennedy.

President Obama called on all the Governors of the United States and its Territories and appropriate officials of all units of government to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. The President also encouraged Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

Project Lifesaver Logo, a Program to supply tracking devices for at Risk Citizens

Project Lifesaver Logo, a Program to supply tracking devices for at Risk Citizens

There are many events leading up to Police Week. One of those events is the National Unity Bike Tour. Perth Amboy Police Officer Ken Puccio is one of the participants.

The Tour started in May 1997 by Florhan Park Police Officer Patrick Montuore to raise public awareness of Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. Law Enforcement Officers from all over ride their bikes to Washington D.C. ending at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum.

The Police Unity Tour raised $5 million in pledge money during those rides to help build the National Law Enforcement Museum.

Lately, there has been a lot of negative press on our Police nationwide, but this is the week for the public to recognize the many men and women who serve in law enforcement.

As I was walking around Perth Amboy on May 15th, I looked to see how many flags were flown at half-mast that day. Unfortunately, the ones that I passed were not. It’s very important that we remember the fallen Officers as well.

SAPD Chief Darren Lavigne & Captain Joseph Matarangolo

SAPD Chief Darren Lavigne & Captain Joseph Matarangolo

To all our Law Enforcement Officers serving now, just remember back to the day that you were sworn in and how proud you felt to receive that badge. To all those that have retired, we also salute you for the job that you have done.

Those in Law Enforcement are more than a badge, uniform and gun. They’re your friends, neighbors and relatives and just like you and I, they’re only human.

Through their organizations and also individually, they have helped our communities nationwide. One of their organizations is the PAL (Police Athletic League) where police departments members coach young people, both boys and girls, in sports, and help with homework and other school-related activities. The purpose is to build character, help strengthen police-community relations, and keep children off illegal drugs.

As a membership organization, National PAL provides Chapters with resources and opportunities to grow their own programs and enhance the quality of individual programming. These resources include funding opportunities through various grants, general liability protection programs, programming opportunities through affiliate organizations, and goods and services provided by corporate partners and supporting organizations.

Remember, Police Officers are always on duty, even when they’re off duty. Often they donate their time and sometimes their own funds without looking for any special recognition.  C.M.

Members of the PAPD being honored 5/11/2016 (L to R) Deputy Police Chief Larry Cattano, Police Chaplains, A Resident received help from Police, Pastor Bernadette Falcon-Lopez, Lt. Paul Cannamela, Mayor Diaz, Police Chaplain Gregory Pabon, Capt. Roman McKeon, Officer Willie Lopez. There was communication stating Pastor Bernadette Falcon-Lopez of God’s Army Ministries of NJ commending the following Police Officers for not only doing their job daily to protect and serve, but also for going above and beyond the call of duty through an act of charity they perform during the annual Point-In-Time survey. Besides the Officers above, Officer Henry Rodgers and Lt. Steven Killane (not pictured above) were also commended.

Members of the PAPD being honored 5/11/2016 (L to R) Deputy Police Chief Larry Cattano, Police Chaplains, A Resident received help from Police, Pastor Bernadette Falcon-Lopez, Lt. Paul Cannamela, Mayor Diaz, Police Chaplain Gregory Pabon, Capt. Roman McKeon, Officer Willie Lopez. There was communication stating Pastor Bernadette Falcon-Lopez of God’s Army Ministries of NJ commending the following Police Officers for not only doing their job daily to protect and serve, but also for going above and beyond the call of duty through an act of charity they perform during the annual Point-In-Time survey. Besides the Officers above, Officer Henry Rodgers and Lt. Steven Killane (not pictured above) were also commended.

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