New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Inc. MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release: April 1, 2011 The New Jersey State PBA is calling on Essex County Executive DiVincenzo to step down in light of his double dipping loophole being exposed. Several reporters uncovered that back in August of 2010 while running for a third term he put his papers in to retire from County Executive. His retirement allows him to collect a $68,861.88 at 58 years of age. In addition he collects a salary of $153,207.32 meaning the total compensation is $222,069.20. The Essex County Executive is now paid more than the Governor, U.S. Senators, or members of Congress.
NJ State PBA President Anthony Wieners said, "This is unbelievable, the man is out yelling about reform and he takes a loophole to retire at a higher salary, a classic example of do as I say not as I do. The time has come for Joe D to practice what he preaches. This exposes him as a fraud and just another politician who lies to the public. He has no credibility in the debate of fixing New Jersey’s problems. He put out a press release back in October complaining legislators need to make serious reform efforts and follow the Governor’s tool kit. He complained that pension costs were hurting the residents of Essex County but forgot to mention he was part of the pension increase. He has to leave office." President Wieners said, "Joe often said the bank is broken or this is time for change, but now that his hand is caught in the bank he claims he is doing nothing illegal and doing what everyone else is doing. Just because other politicians are double dipping doesn’t make it right. Crime is up, cops are down, and politicians are still playing games". Essex County Executive DiVincenzo statements on the need for reform: March 10, 2010 Op-ed New Jersey newsroom.com
ORGANIZED 1896 MEMBERSHIP OVER 30,000
Anthony F. Wieners President
732-636-8860
Contact: 732-636-8860
State PBA Calls for Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo to Step Down
Just as the private sector has had to make changes in the way it does business, so do we, as government leaders, have to make changes in how government is run? Taxpayers are equivalents of shareholders, and everyone involved in government — elected officials, union leaders and workers — must understand that the times have changed.
October 20, 2010 interview with Star-Ledger
He said today he is facing a $75 million budget gap if the state Legislature doesn’t sign off on a "tool box" to tackle rising pension and health insurance costs.
February 16, 2011 State of County Speech
"The bank is broken and the time has come to put everything on the table," he said. "Change is necessary to ensure that our investments in the pension system will be there for the retirements of all public servants. However, this will not be easy to accomplish unless there is compromise."
March 31, 2011 comments to a Star-Ledger reporter
He insisted that he’s not retired, just "drawing down" his pension, and pointed out that he’s not breaking any rules or laws. "What I’m doing is no different from what anyone else is doing," he said. DiVincenzo said looming changes didn’t factor into his decision to start collecting his pension, saying, "I was trying to do what was right for me and my family."
######
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2011
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
We Will Never Forget
Fair Lawn~ Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 President David G. Boone has announced that the annual Officer Mary Ann Collura Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 17, at 3 p.m., on the grounds of the Van Riper Ellis/Broadway Baptist Church, 7-01 River Road. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to honor her memory and sacrifice.
On April 17, 2003, Police Officer Mary Ann Collura, Fair Lawn's first female police officer, was killed in the line of duty. Officer Collura was an 18-year veteran of the Fair Lawn Police Department.
For more information, please visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
###
Service -- Honor -- Integrity -- Protection
For Immediate Release Date:Nov. 8, 2010 Contact: David G. Boone (201) 794-5412
Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 Announces Home Safety Tips
for the Holidays
Fair Lawn~ Members of the Fair Lawn Policeman's Benevolent Association (PBA) Local #67 want you and your family to have a happy and healthy holiday season. The organization has compiled a list of Home Safety Tips for the holidays which is accessible online at www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year and we would like to keep it that way," said David G. Boone, president, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67. "This is also the time of year when burglars look for soft targets, such as empty houses, as many of us are attending holiday parties and trying to get the last minute shopping done."
Here are some home safety tips to remember if you are going away for the holidays: notify the Fair Lawn Police Department so that they are aware that the home is vacant; hire someone to shovel your driveway and walkway so that it appears someone is home; set electronics on timers; and arrange for deliveries to be suspended or picked up.
"Burglars are also turning to social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to determine when someone's house may be empty," added Boone. "When someone wants to share with cyber friends that they are 'going out to pick up some gifts,' burglars have an opportunity to do some holiday shopping of their own... in your home."
For more home safety tips, visit fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
For Immediate Release
October 25, 2010
Contact: David G.Boone
201-794-5412
Safety First at River Road Street Fair
Fair Lawn~ Members of the Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) Local #67 and the Fair Lawn Police Explorers Post 902 volunteered their time at the River Road Street Fair on Sunday, October 24. The Police Officers and Explorers handed out safety tips, flashlights, coloring books, and many other Halloween Treats to parents and children. Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 Shines Light on Safety
"The street fair was the perfect place for us to spread our public safety message to residents of all ages," said David G. Boone, President, PBA Local #67. "It was a great opportunity to reach out to our residents and reinforce the fact that we are there for them 24-hours a day, 7 days a week."
Hundreds of families came to the PBA table, asked questions, and collected safety tip information. The packets included: Home Safety Tips, Halloween Safety Tips, Personal Safety Tips and Tips to Keep Children Safe From Crime.
"All of the safety tips are now available on our website," added Boone. "Even if residents could not attend the Street Fair, we encourage families to go online and review the safety tips. We are proud to be a part of this great community and our continuous goal is to help make a difference."
For more information, visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
Fair Lawn~ Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) Local #67 and the Fair Lawn Police Explorers Post 902 volunteers handed out safety tips, flashlights, coloring books, and other Halloween treats at the River Road Street Fair on October 24. Hundreds of children visited the PBA table and many parents thanked the officers for their service to the Borough. Pictured (l to r): Fair Lawn Police Det. Karen Censullo, Det./PBA President David G. Boone, laid off Fair Lawn Police Officer Robert Iozzia, Officer Michael O'Brien, Sgt. Brian Metzler, and Sgt. Joseph Dawicki.







For Immediate Release
October 11, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 Shines A Light on Halloween Safety
Fair Lawn~ In an effort to keep Fair Lawn's little ghosts and goblins safe, PBA Local #67 members will be on hand distributing safety tips at the River Road Street Fair on October 24, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. PBA volunteers will also be handing out special treats just in time for Halloween.
"The Fair Lawn River Road Street Fair is a wonderful opportunity for us to greet the residents of Fair Lawn and meet neighbors from surrounding communities," said David G. Boone, President, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67. "We want adults and children to learn valuable Home Safety Tips, Halloween Safety Tips, and tips to keep children safe from crime."
Some basic Halloween Safety Tips include: children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult; children should never eat treats until they are brought home and fully examined by a parent; when trick-or-treating at night, children should always carry a flashlight or a glow stick; and children should never go into the home or car of a stranger.
"We encourage parents and children to visit us at the street fair and ask questions, " added Boone. "By working together, we can help keep everyone safe."
For more safety tips, visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com
Service -- Honor -- Integrity -- Protection
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
Safety Tips Available Online
Fair Lawn~ Crime is on the rise. Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 President David G. Boone is encouraging residents to visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com to review home safety tips, personal protection tips, as well as tips to protect children from crime.
According to published reports, more than 30,000 home burglaries occur in New Jersey each year. Residents can discourage thieves by taking a few simple steps before going on a road trip.
"Light the outside of your home and trim bushes near doors to reduce hiding places for burglars," said Boone. "Set timers so that lights and other electronics go on and off at random. In addition, never let your mail or newspapers pile up."
This summer, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 launched a website to help keep residents informed about public safety initiatives, fundraising events, and community awareness campaigns. During the course of the year, the PBA participates in numerous charity events such as The Special Olympics Torch Run and Police Unity Tour. The PBA also supports numerous civic organizations in the Borough.
"Our website has been viewed nearly ten thousand times and we greatly appreciate the community's support," added Boone. "Public safety should always be Fair Lawn's top priority."
For more safety tips, visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: September 2, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 Will Host a Demonstration Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 6:30 PM at Fair Lawn Borough Hall & Statement Regarding Police Involved Shooting
Fair Lawn~ David Boone, President, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 has announced that there will be a demonstration to bring continued awareness to the reduction in police staffing that will impact public safety levels and compromise officer safety! President Boone has urged residents and business owners in Fair Lawn to go to the Fair Lawn Borough Hall to attend the Council Meeting scheduled for 7:30 PM on Tuesday, September 7. Officers from the Fair Lawn Police and Bergen County Prosecutor's Office worked diligently intent on tracking down these criminals. Working in partnership with the BCPO, it only took hours before the 2 individuals responsible for the attempted murder of a police officer were taken into custody.
Pride, integrity, dedication and professionalism are traits that are required of police officers and exemplified by those employed by the Boro of Fair Lawn. We are confident that regardless of the obstacles presented, our members will continue to serve the residents of Fair Lawn with the same conviction that they have displayed since our inception. We wish to thank everyone that assisted our team in bringing these dangerous criminals to justice!
Immediately following the demonstration on September 1st, Police Sergeant Michael Messina and Police Officer Kenneth Cavanaugh responded to Walgreens on River Road on a report of suspects attempting to pass a fraudulent prescription for Oxycodone. Cavanaugh arrived, attempted to apprehend the suspects as they entered a maroon colored Lexus and was knocked down by the fleeing vehicle. Sgt. Messina further attempted to apprehend the suspects. As Messina ordered the suspects to stop, the driver, later identified as Priscilla Coleman of Newark, NJ accelerated directly at Messina in an attempt to kill the officer. Messina, fearful for his life, fired two rounds at the vehicle before being struck and thrown over the hood and windshield. Messina and Cavanaugh were transported to a nearby hospital and we are thankful both will recover.
The energy, dedication and resolve displayed by these officers reaffirm their dedication to the community and to the oath they swore to uphold.
“The Mayor and Council have endangered our public safety but the officers of the Fair Lawn Police Department wish to re-assure the community that despite the lack of support by the vast majority of the governing body, we will continue to protect and serve to the best of our ability" stated Boone. Boone and other members of the PBA Local 67 Executive Board will be available to answer questions on Tuesday, September 7, 6:30PM at Fair Lawn Boro Hall, 8-01 Fair Lawn Avenue. Residents and business owners are urged to attend this council meeting!
For more information, check out our informational website at www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com. Please come out and support us! Let the governing body know that you will not tolerate the reduction in police manpower and services that must be eliminated such as our renowned DARE program!
For Immediate Release
Date: August 26, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 Will Host a Demonstration Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Fair Lawn~ David Boone, President, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 has announced that there will be a demonstration to bring awareness to the reduction in police staffing that will impact public safety levels! President Boone has invited residents and business owners in Fair Lawn to stop in front of the Borough Municipal Building, 8-01 Fair Lawn Avenue after 3:30 PM on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 to support your police officers! President Boone will be available to meet with you to discuss the issues that will impact your police department’s ability to provide the community with the best service possible! “The Mayor and Council have endangered our public safety but the officers of the Fair Lawn Police Department wish to re-assure the community that we will continue to protect and serve to the best of our ability stated Boone. It is unfortunate that we have repeatedly submitted viable cost saving proposals that would have prevented these layoffs and benefit the Borough financially for years to come.
Unfortunately, there has been a tremendous amount of misinformation fed to the community.”
President Boone will be on hand to speak candidly about the issues we face and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your support! The members of PBA Local 67 look forward to seeing you on September 1!
For more information, please visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: August 10, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 Launches "Keep My Family Safe"
Fair Lawn~ David Boone, President, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67, has announced that by popular demand the organization has kicked-off phase two of the "Keep Our Cops...Safe" campaign. After hundreds of posters and large banners were distributed to businesses and organizations throughout the Borough, residents are now contacting the PBA to find out how to get involved.
"Residents have asked numerous police officers what they can do to support our cause," said Boone. "Our citizens are being encouraged to place a "Keep My Family Safe" paper door hanger on their front door to support the PBA's campaign to Keep Our Cops and Families Safe. So far, more than 3,000 door hangers have been distributed, and our website has received more than 2,300 visits."
On September 1, The Borough of Fair Lawn will be laying off four police officers. According to law enforcement officials, less officers on the road will jeopardize officer safety. In addition, fewer officers may delay response time to an emergency situation which could be the difference between life and death.
"The Fair Lawn Police Department will be losing a minimum of 10 police officers through layoffs, retirements, and resignations," added Boone. "During tough economic times, crime does rise. We hope the Mayor and Council will rethink their layoff strategy and keep the four Fair Lawn police officers who keep this community safe."
For more information, please visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
For Immediate Release:
August 3, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201)794-5412
Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 To Host Awards Ceremony
Fair Lawn~ David G. Boone, President, PBA Local #67, along with the Executive Committee,
is pleased to announce that the organization will host a Special Awards Ceremony at the Fair Lawn Athletic Club this month. William F. Thomson, State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of New Jersey, will be the event's distinguished guest speaker.
"Our men and women in blue put their lives on the line daily and are often confronted with dire situations," said Boone. "We are proud of all of our officers and look forward to recognizing their outstanding accomplishments."
The four Fair Lawn Police Officers who recently received layoff notices effective September 1, will also be recognized for their achievements. Officers Alan Annazone, Robert Iozzia, Robert Mader and Christopher Sullivan will receive special commendations from the PBA Executive Committee.
"These four police officers are vital to our police department," added Boone. "They are proud to wear the uniform and honored to protect and serve the Borough of Fair Lawn."
For more information on Fair Lawn PBA Local #67, visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
Photo Caption (l to r): Police Officers Alan Annazone, Robert Mader, Christopher Sullivan, and Robert Iozzia are pictured in front of a large "Keep Our Cops...Safe" banner hanging in the Borough of Fair Lawn
August 2, 2010 Contact: David G. Boone (201) 794-5412
Immediate Release
organization is sponsoring a community awareness campaign. The PBA's Executive Committee is encouraging local businesses to join in the town-wide campaign by placing a "Keep Our Cops...Safe" sign in their front window.
"The purpose of this movement is to inform residents and local businesses that four police officers, who patrol our streets and keep us safe, will be losing their jobs on September 1," stated Boone. "Crime is going up and we can't afford to lose these fine officers. We are asking the community for its support because we need to keep our officers and
Police Officers Alan Annazone, Robert Iozzia, Christopher Sullivan, and Robert Mader received a layoff notice from the Borough of Fair Lawn in July. Annazone is a 2nd generation police officer, and Iozzia, Mader, and Sullivan each joined the police department after serving in the
"These outstanding officers have made significant contributions to our country and community," added Boone. "They were there for us when we needed them, now it's our turn to be there for them."
For more information, please visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com








For Immediate Release
July 30, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
State PBA President Anthony F. Wieners To Make Special Appearance in Fair Lawn
Fair Lawn~ State Police Benevolent Association (PBA) President Anthony F. Wieners will be on hand as Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 officially launches its "Keep Our Cops...Safe" community awareness campaign on Monday, August 2, 2010. The campaign will kick-off at the Fair Lawn PBA Building located at 10-11 Fair Lawn Avenue, at 10 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
"We are honored to have State President Wieners' support as we launch our campaign," said David G. Boone, President, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67. "By taking a look around the Borough, it is pretty clear that the local business owners, who display support signs in their windows, also want to keep our cops and community safe."
State President Wieners comes to Fair Lawn in support of
PBA Local #67's initiatives to keep four Fair Lawn Police Officers, who recently received layoff notices from the Borough. Police Officer Alan Annazone is a second generation police officer, and Robert Iozzia, Robert Mader, and Christopher Sullivan, each joined the police department after serving in the Iraq War.
For more information, visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
Immediate Release
July 27, 2010
Contact: David G. Boone
(201) 794-5412
Fair Lawn PBA Local #67 Launches Website
Fair Lawn~ David G. Boone, President, Fair Lawn PBA Local #67, has announced that the organization has launched a website to keep residents informed about public safety initiatives, fundraising events, and community awareness campaigns. The website address is www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com.
"Our current campaign 'Keep Our Cops...Safe' alerts residents and local business owners about the need to save four Fair Lawn Police Officers who will lose their jobs on September 1," said Boone. "By decreasing our police force, the Borough jeopardizes emergency response time, officer safety, and Fair Lawn safety. We would like residents to go online, get involved, and support our cause."
Residents from the comfort of their own homes will be able access the website and learn about the issues and upcoming events. During the course of the year, the PBA participates in numerous charity events such as The Special Olympics Torch Run and Police Unity Tour. The PBA also supports numerous civic organizations in the Borough.
"The Fair Lawn PBA Local #67, through its annual scholarship program and the Officer Mary Ann Collura Scholarship Foundation, which was founded when our sister officer was killed in 2003, has awarded approximately $100,000 in scholarships to Fair Lawn High School seniors over the past 10 years."
For more information, please visit www.fairlawnpbalocal67.com
Service -- Honor -- Integrity - - Protection
|
For Immediate Release |
||||||
FAIR LAWN POLICE EXPLORERS RETURN FROM STATEWIDE ACADEMY AT MONMOUTH UNIV. Last week, members of the Fair Lawn Police Explorer Post 902 returned from a 7 day residential academy held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. The state-wide academy was sponsored by the Police Athletic League of NJ. Law Enforcement Officers from throughout the northeast provided instruction in a variety of topics. Explorers are given unique insight into the field of law enforcement and are treated identically to that of basic police recruits while at the academy. These young adults (Ages 14-21) endure long arduous days that start at 5 AM with real police academy drill instructors running physical training. They run two to three miles, complete calisthenics and practice marching and paying their respects to the flag at a daily "raising of the colors." Explorers then attend classroom and practical lessons and compete to win awards!
The academy is a four tier program. After successfully completing each tier, the explorers return the following year to benefit from even more advanced training. Third tier explorers receive an entire week's worth of practical scenerios that they must perform as if they were the real police officer responding to an actual call for service. Actors portray victims and suspects and put on quite a realistic performance. Explorers are faced with making split second decisions just like police officers must make and they are graded on the outcome.
This year, Fair Lawn's explorers took home two awards on behalf of the program. Explorer Jorge Vela won 1st Place in Physical Training and Explorer Leanne Biss won 3rd Place in Physical Training. Fair Lawn Police Officer Michael O'Brien, the Advisor for the Explorer Post and Tier 3 State Academy Coordinator accompanied the explorers for the week. This year marks the seventh year Fair Lawn's Explorers have attended the academy.
The Fair Lawn explorers that successfully completed Tier 1 were Leanne Biss, Justin LeFebvre, Anthony Gallo, Jonathan Ryan, Alex Tredy, and Jorge Vela.
Officer O'Brien noted that the academy tuition and related fees were paid for by funds raised through local DARE recycling bins and with the gracious assistance of the Fair Lawn Drug Alliance.
O'Brien also noted explorers that have completed this four tier program make for more attractive law enforcement candidates because of the unique nature of this academy. O'Brien said many officers, including O'Brien started off as law enforcement explorers. O'Brien said he began his law enforcement career as a Demarest Police Explorer in 1983 and has been involved in many ways since then guiding young adults to their career goals. O'Brien marked his twenty sixth year involved in law enforcement exploring and proudly reported he received national recognition in 2005 winning the William H. Spurgeon, III Award. That award is given once a year and is the highest recognition for individuals contributing significant leadership to the exploring program.
Exploring is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, Learning for Life Division. Young men and women ages 14 to 21 who wish to find out more information about law enforcement exploring in Fair Lawn can contact Police Officer Michael O'Brien at 201-794-5362, extension 242 or email him at mobrien@fairlawnpd.com.
For more information about the Explorer Academy sponsored by the NJ PAL, go online and check out www.policeathleticleague.com.
|
||||||