Association
news -
The
emperors
in
charge
have
cancelled
the
October
election
and
installed
themselves.
They
have in
2024 not
produced
one
community
program
except a
poorly
attended
"picnic"
that
shut
down an
hour
before
it was
supposed
to.
Pretty
disgusting,
hopefully
a true
leader
will
come
forth in
2025
Enough
said.
*****************
As I
look
back at
my 50
plus
community
service
years
there
are just
so many
people
to thank
for so
many
reasons.
For all
those
that
read
this and
is one
of them
thank
you, you
made a
difference.
One of
the
things I
enjoyed
doing
this
holiday
season
is
portraying
Old St.
Nick.
For
several
years I
played
Santa
Claus
for the
children
of Port
Authority
children
at the
Lincoln
Tunnel
facility.
Thank
you,
Sue,
Kos, Bob
and the
other
managers
for
making
it from
an idea
to a
reality.
Thank
you, LT
maintenance
and the
LT
maintenance
supervisors,
for
taking a
commercial
garage
and
making
it a
fantastic
wonderland.
Thank
you for
making a
sleigh
where I
sat with
each
child as
they
received
their
gifts.
Thank
you,
Dawn,
and in
one year
her
mother
for
being my
Mrs.
Claus,
thanks
to
Ilario a
TB&T
agent,
for
being my
elf all
those
years.
Thank
you,
Irene
G., For
taking
care of
all the
little
details
to make
the
event a
special
one.
Years
ago, us
old
timers
called
the PA
"Mother
PONYA"
We were
a family
that
together
served
millions
of our
public
each and
every
day.
Thank
you to
all
those in
character
that
went
with me
onto the
Lincoln
Tunnel
Plaza to
give
candy
canes to
those
using
our
facility
. Boy it
was cold
but we
made a
lot of
people
happy.
NONE of
us got
paid for
what we
did. It
was
something
we
enjoyed
and
wanted
to give
back to
our
fellow
employees
and
their
families.
For
several
years I
played
Santa at
a
homeless
shelter
which
was once
was a
motel in
Manhattan.
The
SRO's
consisted
of
children
and
their
mother,
no
males. I
would go
door to
door
with a
social
worker
pushing
a
shopping
cart
with
unwrapped
gifts.
The
children
swamped
around
me and
only
left to
go back
to their
SRO that
I was
approaching
so I
could
give
them a
gift
handed
to me by
the
social
worker.
Every
year my
outfit
had to
be
double
cleaned
as it
was
painted
with the
hands of
the
children
and
their
cany
cane-stained
hands.
No
worries,
it
showed I
was
doing my
job.
Only one
time in
several
years
had I
gone out
of
character.
I
knocked
on a
door and
a
disheveled
woman
opens
the door
with a
little
baby
standing
in the
middle
of the
room and
a badly
soiled
pamper.
The room
smelled
to no
end, and
it
looked
like a
dumpster.
The baby
was
given an
age-appropriate
gift,
but the
mother
demanded
a nerf
gun and
tried to
push me
away and
grab the
other
gift. In
short
order I
said as
she came
close to
the cart
"Listen
bitch
take the
godamn
present
given to
your kid
and get
back in
that
fuckin
hell
hole."
After a
brief
stare
down,
she
slammed
the door
shut. The
shocked
social
worker
may have
heard me
but just
smiled.
Back to
being
Santa.
Knocking
on one
door a
woman of
Hispanic
background
opened
the
door.
Whatever
possessions
there
were,
all were
neat and
clean.
Two
small
children
stood by
the door
side by
side. It
was a
picture
card
moment.
I tried
to hand
the
gifts to
the
children,
but they
did not
move and
instead
looked
at their
mother
for
approval.
I did a
no- no I
took one
step in
the room
and bent
down as
far as
my bad
knees
would
allow.
The
children
took the
gifts
only
after
their
mother
nodded
it was
okay. I
said in
my best
Santa
voice a
loud
Felix
Navidad
my
children
and I
went on
to
finish
my job.
Almost
every
year at
the end
of the
day the
mothers
all
hugged
me and
took
photos
with me.
I was as
happy to
bring a
smile to
these
women as
I was
playing
Santa
for
their
children.
Two
years
ago, I
was
asked to
play
Santa
for
literally
several
hundred
children.
It was a
Toys for
Tots
event
held
within a
park
across
the
street
from the
Manhattan
DA's
Office,
a place
I knew
well.
With two
bad
knees
and two
bad hips
I
agreed.
On this
cold dry
winter
day, I
had two
great
youngsters
as
helpers.
They
made
sure I
had
candy
canes
ready
for the
children.
My wife
of now
49 plus
years
made
sure I
toughed
it out
to the
end for
a lot of
children
needed
to be
greeted
by St
Nick. A
special
thanks
to the
NYPD 5th Pct
Auxiliary
police
officers
that
ensured
a neat
orderly
line of
children
entering
the
park. I
greeted
Asian
kids,
White
Kids,
Black
kids,Jewish
Kids and
kids of
several
other
backgrounds.
It was a
good
day. As
I walked
to my
car when
the
program
had
ended I
close
the door
and
outside
I saw a
little
girl
stare at
me.
Thank
goodness
I was
still in
full
gear. My
wife
said to
get out
and
speak to
the
little
girl.
The
little
girl was
from
France
she
spoke
little
English
but said
Santa
Claus
clear as
a bell.
Her
parents
said
they
just
missed
the
event,
and
their
daughter
saw me
walking
away and
ran
after me
just to
say
hello. I
told her
parents
that
will be
right
back. I
went
back to
the park
and got
the best
leftover
gifts I
could
find. I
walked
back and
again,
as low
as my
bad
knees
would
take me
I gave
the toys
to the
little
girl.
What a
smile
and a
hug I
got. Her
parents
thanked
me, and
I said
enjoy
the rest
of your
stay
here in
the U.S.
I said
Merry
Christmas
little
one as
she and
her
parents
walked
toward
Canal
Street.
I waited
until
they
were out
of sight
and got
back in
the car.
I even
got a
compliment
from my
wife;
You did
a good
job old
man. It
doesn't
get any
better.
So to
all you
Santas
who
donate
your
time,
sweat
blood
and
tears to
help
others
or make
a
difference
to
others
THANK
YOU! And
may you
all have
a great
holiday
season
including
Christmas!
FOUNDATION
September 11th is
only a few days
away. Over 20
years and when
thousands
perished at the
hands of scum
animals in just
one day, in just
a few hours. Ask
a group of
middles
school/jr. High
school age kids
what is the
significance of
the date
September 11th?
I don't know
Start of
school
Beginning of
Fall
Other
responses
And the
least
response may
be People
died at the
World Trade
Center or
similar
comments.
What a
shame.
Port
Authority -
Rose service
Sept. 5th 0830
hours at the
South Oculus
to the 9-11
Memorial for
a rose
laying
service
Interfaith
service 1400
hours St
Peters
Church.
September
11, 2024
Names of
those that
perished
called out.
Mayall
those lost
on 9-11-01
and those
after as a
result of
these scum
animals rest
in peace
.......
**********
Taking in
some
practice at
the Union
Hill Gun
Club Nelson
Chen, Union
Hill Gun
Club range
master Tan,
Eric Lawson,
and yours
truly R. May
Founder of
the
NJAALEOA.
All four are
current or
retired law
enforcement
personnel.
Two are part
of the World
Trade Health
Program for
treatment
of their
health
issues they
received at
the World
Trade
terrorist
site on
9-11-01 and
thereafter.
The Union
Hill Gun
Club is
located in
Monroe
Township,
New Jersey.
*********
Please take
a moment on
9-11 2024 to
say a
prayer for
those
lost......
Please be
careful and
safe out
there.
Robert May
Bd of
Director the
NJAALEO
Foundation
Founder/
President
Emeritus of
the NJAALEOA
Past 1st VP
NAPOA
Detective
(ret) the
Port
Authority of
NY & NJ
Police
Department
This 7-year year old
mighty youngster is
the daughter of past
very, very long time
NJAALEOA treasurer
and now current
NJAALE Foundation
treasurer. At a
recent national
championship, she
medaled in several
competitions.
Congrats to M.C.,
this mighty
7-year-old!
This talented 16
year old high school
student is the son
of a Board of
Director of the
NJAALE Foundation.
He has been in
highly regards
performances from
the shores of the
USA to recently an
invitation only
concert in Italy.
This young celloist
recently committed
to a fund raiser
concert for the
earthquake victims
of Turkey. Congrats
to B.C. for his
music ability and
helping those in
need. Click below to
hear a performance
from B.C.
Last week the Port
Authority Police
graduated over 150
cadets from their
police academy.
These officers will
be assigned to the
various port
authority facilities
within New York and
New Jersey. One of
these officers is
PAPD Police Officer
Alex Kwolek who will
be assigned to
patrol a New Jersey
facility. Congrats
to Officer Kwolek
and his 150 other
academy classmates.
May St Micheal
watch over all of
them and their
brothers and sisters
in law enforcement.
Photo left PAPD
academy instructor
Police Officer
Calandra with Police
Officer A. Kwolek.
It appears there are
many hiring
opportunities within
the law enforcement
field now that the
2-year COVID lock
down is over. Two
opportunities are
noted below. Though
the IRS funding for
a massive
Investigation unit
has been trimmed
hiring opportunities
will exist
*****************************************
Congratulations to
the National Police
Defense Foundation
for their recent
successful several
hundred-person 2023
gala. Law
enforcement
personnel from New
Jersey ,New York and
beyond attended this
great event.
In the past I have been
critical of the current
admin of the
association. The
reckless spending of
membership money must
stop. No more eating and
drinking at restaurants
with the current board
and their guests,
conducting secret
meetings paid for by the
association. Finally, a
"membership" meeting was
held recently where from
no input of membership
the current board
changed the status of
the non-profit.
The board also on
several occasions
pleaded to those in
attendance to donate to
the association for
their upcoming June
"picnic". NO! This
board inherited tens of
thousands of dollars.
Plenty of money to pay
for everything with
money to spare if they
stop the reckless
spending. For the
previous 25 years only
three board members ever
sought and received
donations to support
this organization no one
else. They were
Joe, me and on occasion
Ray. Joe and I
worked hard at obtaining
the right way funds or
donations which
supported 1st rate
programs for the law
enforcement and
community at large. Some
of these board people
can and should do the
same. Last year a person
who knew of the NJAALEOA
for many years decided
to on their own donate
several hundred dollars.
In return this person
DID RECIVE A SIMPLETHANK
YOU FROM THE
CURENT BOARD. When I
heard about this
disgrace, I asked a
board member how this
could have happened? The
reply was an apology
will be sent. Too little
too late. STOP spending
recklessly and thank
people who donate.
The association picnic
this year is coming up.
The current NJ Attorney
General is expected to
attend. I hope he enjoys
the picnic as did the
past AG the honorable
Gurbir Grewal when the
picnic was the known as
the NJAALEOA law
enforcement social and
law enforcement career
fair. AG Grewal brought
his children with him as
did 1st Deputy
AG Jen Davenport. An
annoying OAG employee
kept telling the AG it
was time to go.
The AG and 1st
Deputy.
AG enjoyed the event and
stayed for a very
long-time meeting law
enforcement personnel
and John Q Citizen/
college kids who until
that day never met the
#1 law enforcement
person in the state of
New Jersey. I hope the
current AG the honorable
Matthew J. Platkin
enjoys his day as did AG
Grewal and NJ AG
J. Hoffman before him.
NJ Attorney General
Gurbir Grewal, 1st Deputy
Attorney General
Jennifer Davenport
NJAALEOA President
Emeritus
R. May with members of
the Port Authority of
New York & NJ Police
Department at a previous
NJAALEOA Law Enforcment
Social and Career fair
attended by hundreds of
supporters and college
educated youngsters
seeking a career in law
enforcement.
The position of IRS
Field Investigator is
still being sought . Go
to the Indeed website
for details and an
application .
DCR is hiring! Join us in the fight for civil rights! See below for employment opportunities.
We, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR), are dedicated to protecting the people of New Jersey from discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. Achieving full civil rights and eliminating discrimination is not only our goal, but our mission.
NJ Division on Civil Rights Legal Specialist
Under the direction of the Director, Deputy Director, Chief Legal Specialist and the Chief of Investigations, the Legal Specialist will evaluate the merit of complaints of violations of the LAD and FLA and, working with a team of investigators, guide the investigative process to ensure that cases are efficiently and correctly processed and decided and that agency determinations are legally correct and based on a review of relevant evidence.
To view more employment opportunities with Department of Law & Public Safety , clickhere.
The Middlesex County
Prosecutor's Office is
providing a great
opportunity for those
seeking a career within
law enforcement. YOU DO
NOT HAVE TO BE A
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
RESIDENT TO ATTEND! The
MCPO has many law
enforcement departments
in attendance. Update
your resume, dress
neatly and GOOD LUCK!
This opportunity is one
of the best for those
seeking a career in law
enforcement.
To those interested, at
no cost, I offer assist
you with the law
enforcement process
toward becoming a police
officer or similar
career. We work on the
interview process,
practice answers to
probable question, body
language, dress attire,
media concerns and much
more. All of the process
is over the phone. You
do not have to be Asian
to take part in this
opportunity. My last ten
individuals, two were of
Asian background. One
person who took this
opportunity is currently
in a police academy
class of over 100. I
expect him to be in the
top 5% when he graduates
from the academy.Interested,
the first step is to e
mail your name and phonenumber
to[email protected].
In the event you are not
familiar with me, I
created and founded the
NJAALEOA over 2 decades
ago and now the
President Emeritus. I co
founded the Port
Authority Police Asian
Jade Society and was the
1st VP
of the several
thousand-member National
Asian Peace
Officers Association. I
retired after 31 years
with the rank of
Detective, assigned to
the PAPD Criminal
Investigations Bureau.
For two one-year terms I
accepted a transfer to
the PAPD Applicant
Investigation unit where
I literally
investigated hundreds of
candidates seeking a
career as a Port
Authority policer
officer. Again, if you
are interested in the no
cost assistance toward
the police
candidate process e mail[email protected]to
get started. I do urge
you to attend the MCPO
law enforcement
career fair on May 23.
It is one of the best.
*****************************************
I my opinion the people
of the state of New
Jersey is lucky to have
Congressman Josh
Gottheimer represent us
in Congress. Never has
his staff turned down my
asking on behalf others
in need of assistance on
a federal type manner.
They go the extra yard.
The 2023 Congressional
Art competition is
unwerway and by far
those youngsters
showcased within his
district all displayed
great works of art and a
thought provoking
message with each one.
Please take a few
minutes to view the
original art work.
Respectfully check out
artwork #5 by Stephanie
Cho. I have known
Stephanie and her family
since she was born.
Stephanie is a
remarkable person who
volunteers on projects
like cleaning parks
/beaches. She is also an
accomplished musician
with the violin. Plese
take a look at her work
for your consideration.
https://forms.gle/Qtuu8mru6WvAGpuY9
I want to wish State
Senator Sam Thompson a
great and long
retirement. As with
Josh, Sam always
assisted helping people
with state and other
issues. Sam is a down to
earth person and his
door was always open. I
will miss talking to Sam
from across his desk,
for a moment to just say
hi or to help someone
with a dire issue. Sam
you will be missed.
Monday April
24, 2023,
3:13 PM
Middlesex
County
Prosecutor's
Office NJ
Advisory: Join us at
Middlesex College on
Tuesday, May 23rd from 2-6
p.m. at our Law Enforcement
Recruitment Fair.
Dear R May,
If you are interested in a
career in Law Enforcement
join us atMiddlesex
Collegeon
Tuesday, May 23rd from 2-6
p.m. at our Law Enforcement
Recruitment Fair. Don't
forget to bring copies of
your resume, we hope to see
you all there!
This information was
received March 15th from
various sources. One should
use due diligence to verify
this information. This is a
huge issue that remained in
the jurisdiction of the
courts for years. It
seems the issue has once and
for all been resolved.
Thanks to all including
but not limited to federal
sources
Robert May
President Emeritus/founder
the NJAALEOA
Delegate the NPDF
Board of Director the NJ
Asian Law Enforcement
Foundation
In the month of January close to 150
officers, Sergeants and Lieutenants retired from
the Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department.
The 150 is more than the entire sworn personnel
of many police departments in New Jersey. We
wish them all well with a long healthy
retirement including one D/Sgt. Robert Zachowski
who is retiring after 37 years of service. I
first met Bobby when he came on as a rookie and
later down the road when he became my boss in
the criminal investigations' bureau. Every step
of the way Bobby was a gentleman, knowledgeable
and was a go to guy for the CIB and higher ups.
No doubt D/Sgt. Zachowski will be missed at the
PAPD.
photo; a gathering of active and retired from
local, state and federal departments hosted by
R. May seated far left. seated far right
Detective Sergeant Robert Zachowski.
*************************************
Recently another retirement occurred within
the Edison Police Department, that of Captain
Dominick Masi. Dominick who is well respected
within the department as well as the large
community that is Edison Township will surely be
missed. His leadership skill set is remarkable
and he could easlily communicate with anyone of
any age.
Photo; 1-Captain Dominick Masi 2-Captain Masi
on his last day on patrol with his daugther.
A good read non fiction book written by the
Executive Director of the National Police
Defense Foundation retired federal INS Agent
Joseph Occhipinti. Available at Amazon, Barnes
and Noble and where books are sold.
Joseph Occhipinti is a native New Yorker where
his desire to be involved in community service
led him to a career in law enforcement. He
graduated from Brooklyn College where he earned
a BA degree.
In January 1969, Joe joined the U.S. Army
Reserves, where for six years he served as a
Military Policeman. In March 1972, Joe was
appointed as a Customs Patrol Officer where he
was assigned to investigate international
smuggling and organized crime.
In 1976, Joe transferred to the INS as a Special
Agent where he became one of the country's
foremost experts on ethnic organized crime. Joe
worked deep undercover and infiltrated a drug
cartel that led to one of the largest cocaine
seizures at that time. In 1984, Joe became the
youngest agent to be promoted to Chief of the
NYC Anti-Smuggling Unit. In
1989, Joe initiated a multi-agency task force
"Project Bodega" to investigate a drug cartel
implicated in the murder of a NYPD officer. In
retaliation, the cartel set-up Joe on fabricated
civil rights allegations that led to his
prosecution, conviction and imprisonment.
However, due to public outrage, President George
H.W. Bush granted Joe "Executive Clemency" on
January 15, 1993 and on December 23, 2020,
President Donald J. Trump granted him a "Full
and Unconditional Pardon" with a personal
apology for Joe's injustice.
On
August of 2014, a number of Suffolk County Police
Officers wanted to organize a fraternal
organization. Officer Jeff Fong traveled to New
Jersey where NJAALEOA President Joe Luistro and
President Emeritus Robert May gave Jeff the
information he needed to start and maintain a
successful police fraternal organization over
breakfast. Jeff in his own right a leader took said
information to his group which soon after became the
Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society. Since 2014
the organization has produced several programs each
year for their community, participates in the annual
dragon boat races at Flushing Meadow Park where
hundreds attend this event, conduct an annual dinner
and as noted below a fantastic Meet and Greet. What
the NJAALEOA use to do (now no more) the Suffolk
County organization continues to do super programs
and they it well. If for some reason you are in the
area of the Meet and Greet we are always welcome by our
brother and sister of the Suffolk County Police
Asian Jade Society.
Photo left to right: Robert May, Jeff Fong and Joe
Luistro
Over the years a
significant number of the membership has risen to
perform very detailed, significant work and combine
his/her efforts with others to complete a very
important and at times dangerous mission. Our own 1st Vice
President Senior Corrections Officer Ray Alfaro, and
members Officer M. Constantino and Officer M.
Enriguez just completed such a mission.
Without
detail, Ray and others on this New Jersey based
elite team, professionally, with determination
completed the goals of the mission to its successful
conclusion. Congrats Officers ,Enriguez, Constantino
and Alfaro for a job well done!
Photo left
to right Officers' Constantino, Enriguez and Alfaro.
Update: I
recently had breakfast with Janet the NJAALEOA
President. I expressed some thoughts and maybe they
will also answer some thoughts you the membership
addressed to me. For 25 years I created produced or
had the association take part in national state, and
local programs. The last two were STOP the Asian
Hate programs where I did 100% of the work and gave
100% of the credit to the association. My last major
program was the Career Fair and Law Enforcment
Social attended by hundreds including the honorable
NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and 1st Deputy
AG Jennifer Davenport. I had no involvement with the
last two "picnics." After 25 years I will cut back
on producing programs as some of you have noticed. I
will always assist those members, nonmembers and the
law enforcement profession as I have for ¼ century
and counting as President Emeritus. 25 years ago, I
used 25. of my own money to start an account for the
association. 25 years later the association has tens
of thousands of dollars in said account. I advised
Janet of my concerns with spending membership money
on recent purchases of which most do not benefit the
membership. Other matters from this productive
meeting were discussed. After 25 years of devotion
to the association , and members it is as mentioned
time for the youngsters to produce. With some time
on my hands, I have.....
*I was asked
to be on a board of a million dollar plus law
enforcement organization, I respectfully declined
at this time.
*I am a
Board of Director with the NJ Asian American Law
Enforcment Foundation. To date the foundation has
awarded four annual scholarships without the use of
membership money. One can go on www.asiancops.org
for the awardees. The foundation also during the
height of COVID awarded a number of ShopRite or
Walmart gift cards to those "In Need", to help the
member and their family and again without the use of
membership/association money.
*For over a
year I have been a member of a think tank (yes, they
do exist) Some fantastic work has come about and I
am proud to be part of that team.
*9-11-01, I
was there with some of the most unselfish,
dedicated, rescue workers, and construction
personnel and many others I have had the privilege
to be part of. No bitching in freezing winter, or
super-hot summer. Not one word of I am too tired or
when is lunch. Lunch or dinner or breakfast came
when it came, if not so be it. I have some medical
ailments as a direct result of being at the site. I
will spend time and deal with them. More important
is never to forget over 2000 people were murdered
that one day. May they all rest in Peace.
*Lastly,
since moving the dial back a little I have the
greatest joy spending more time with my family. My
wife of 47 years who has put up with me, I try every
day to make each day her day. My daughters grown up
and as my memory fades a little, they remember
things when they were kids that just puts a smile on
my face. My grandchildren. Many of you are much too
young for grandchildren. I am not. They bring a joy
to me and my better half that cannot be described.
I missed a lot of family time after 25 very active
years with the association, 31 years as police
officer/detective and other endeavors extending 40
years. Time to spend more time with my children,
grandchildren and especially my much better half.
PS -
THANK YOU! I reached out to you recently to help
someone that was behind the 8 ball. From the west
coast of California to the east coast of New Jersey
and New York and in between to those that answered
the call again THANK YOU!. From those that I have
known for decades to those that I have known for a
year; I am privileged to be in the company of you
all. And for the 3rd time, THANK
YOU!
When a sworn law enforcement officer is
assassinated/killed in the line of duty, we as a
very large group mourn the loss of one of our own.
Unless the hero officer is a mof we usually say a
prayer and RIP and in a couple of days move on,
until the next, and there will be a next, sworn
killed in the line of duty incident usually at the
hands of a punk, scum type person with no respect
for life and law. Recently only a few days ago Las
Vegas police officer T. Thai was shot and killed
while responding to a domestic call. Officer's
Thai's line of duty tragedy this time hit home.
This veteran, well liked and respected officer is
also the uncle of NJAALEOA President Detective J.
Thai. As with family we mobilized to support Janet
and her family. Special thanks to NJAALEOA 1st VP
Officer Ray Alfaro who on his own dime travelled
with Janet and her daughter to ensure she was ok in
Las Vegas and immediately returned back to NJ., An
extortionary measure but that's what one does when
it's family. Subsequently on the day of Officer
Thai's funeral (left to right of photo) members
Officers Mike Eriquez, Shirley Dong, Janet, Officers
Ray Alfaro and Mark Constantino flew to Las Vegas to
support and be with Janet and her family.
To all those members, supporters and
fellow community leaders who answered the 8-14 call
for assistance THANK YOU. Every penny donated will
be delivered by Jamie and I to Janet without any
deduction of administrative fees like those used by
some donation sites.
To Las Vegas Police Officer T. Thai
and all those sworn law enforcement personnel that
also made the ultimate sacrifice for community and
country, we honor your service and may you rest in
peace.
The New Jersey Asian American Law Enforcement
Officers Associationwww.asiancops.org 1997-2022
Sunday is September
11,2022. A short 21 years ago this country. the United
State of America suffered the worst terrorist attack on
its soil ever. In one day, thousands of innocents and
hundreds of rescue personnel died that day. Yet ask a
youngster what happened on September 11,2001 and one may
receive a shrug. a "I don't know" Sad indeed. Will
ignorance bite these youngsters later in life as history
may repeat itself?
Maybe the grownups,
especially the politicians who cry out hate against
other Americans should instead focus on those of other
lands that truly want us hurt or dead.
To all those that have
suffered a loss because of the events of 9-11-01, your
voice needs to be heard to those that have little or no
knowledge of that day. Let us never have another
9-11-01. All schools should speak of what happened on
9-11-01.
Below a message from the
top bosses of the PA in regards to honoring those lost
at both WTC terrorist attacks. To all those that have
past on that day and during the subsequent days and
years as a result of the 9-11-01 aftermath. May you all
Rest in Peace.
NEVER FORGET
Robert May, Detective (ret.) Port Authority of NY & NJ
Police Department
The events of September 11,
2001, reverberated across
the globe. The horrific
images of the destruction
of the Twin Towers are
seared in our collective
memories. In the following
days, months, and years, all
of us found our private way
to healing.
All around us, in
communities in New Jersey
and New York, the losses
were personal. Fathers,
mothers, husbands, wives,
sons, daughters, and friends
perished – so many lives
were forever changed by what
happened on that Tuesday
morning.
9/11 was deeply personal for
us, the people of the Port
Authority, as well. Many
employees fled for their
lives, just as some had
after the bombing at the
World Trade Center on
February 26, 1993. Memories
of that day in 1993
made 9/11 even more
harrowing for them.
It was not an easy task to
mourn the loss of 84
individuals who worked for
the Port Authority,
including the 37
members of the Port
Authority Police Force who
died on 9/11, the single
greatest loss of life for a
single policing event in
U.S. history.
But the people of the Port
Authority – an extraordinary
collection of individuals
who become one in the
face of adversity – pushed
through grief and pain and
began the process of
rebuilding the World Trade
Center campus, a process
that has offered healing to
the region.
In the following 21 years, a
poignant memorial and museum
to the nearly 3,000 people
who died on 9/11 and
those who perished in the
1993 World Trade Center
bombing was created. The
names of the dead are
engraved in bronze around
twin waterfall voids that
outline the footprints of
the North and South
Towers.
Each 9/11, ceremonies are
held on the World Trade
Center campus to honor the
dead and the sacrifices
made. The reading of each
name remains as powerful
today, as it was more than
two decades ago. There
is healing in such large
gatherings broadcast across
the globe. But there was
also a need to do
something intimate and more
personal for the people of
the Port Authority – current
employees, retirees,
and the families of Port
Authority employees who died
on 9/11 and 1993.
Last year, the Agency began
what I and my valued partner
at the Port Authority,
Executive Director Rick
Cotton, hope will be a long
tradition: A rose ceremony
at the 9/11 Memorial. Many
of us gathered near
the footprint of the South
Tower where each attendee
was given a rose with a name
attached of a Port
Authority employee who died
on 9/11 or in the 1993
bombing and the specific
location where that
name is inscribed along the
pools, and then they placed
their rose on that person’s
name.
This year, on September 7,
we conducted a similar
ceremony. Unlike 9/11’s
brilliant blue sky, it was
an overcast morning,
befitting a somber tribute –
a few words were spoken by
Rick and myself, a prayer
was offered by a rabbi,
followed by the plaintive
sound of bagpipe. The
simplest of actions resonate
the loudest.
Many of us have experienced
the rush of emotions of
placing a rose at a
gravesite, a gesture that
offers comfort, while
also leaving behind a
physical sign that someone
acknowledged that departed
person.
Roses are prized for their
beauty. Poets comment on
their fragrant smell and
vibrant colors, while noting
the thorns on the stems, a
reminder that pain and
beauty often are linked.
I know for myself and for
Rick, as we laid our roses,
in that moment that person
became real. No longer
a name in bronze, but rather
a colleague neither of us
had never had the good
fortune to know. The
feeling stayed as I paid my
respects in the small garden
behind the St. Nicholas
Greek Orthodox Church
and National Shrine that is
dedicated to the first
responders and recovery
workers of the Port
Authority who died or
are ill due to their heroic
efforts.
Healing takes time. For
some, the pain remains. For
all of us who remember that
day, our memories still
are vivid. But that will
change with time.
We need to put action to
words to make memories live,
not just for us, but for the
new people who join the Port
Authority, some so young
they have no living memory
of 9/11. They will see in
the faces of senior
co-workers who lay a rose,
the faces of those lost.
In short, we are remembered
by how we remember those who
came before us. As members
of the Port Authority,
we chose the beauty of a
rose.
That is how we remember.
The New Jersey Asian American Law Enforcement Foundation on
August 10th presented the 2022 scholarship award to Ms.
Rylie Masi, the daughter of long time NJAALEOA member
Captain Dominick Masi.
This is the fourth
1000.00 scholarship awarded by the foundation. The
foundation during the height of COVID offered NJAALEOA
members in good standing a 50.00 Shoprite or Walmart gift
card if they felt they were "in need." No further inquiry
was made by the foundation. In a quiet manner several
Shoprite and Walmart gift cards were mailed to said
individuals' with only the foundation board of directors
aware of who received said cards.
Photoltto
rt: VP board member Nelson Chen, Captain D. Masi, 2022
scholarship recipient Rylie Masi & board President Robert S. May
Congrats to two long time members of the association.
Congrats to Piscataway PD Detective T.J. Patel and his wife
as they added a baby girl to the Patel family. All are doing
well and we wish them the very best.
Congrats to Port Authority PD Sargeant Noble Varghese as he was
recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
Photo: Port Authority Police Lieutenant Noble
Varghese.
Congrats again to T.J. and Noble!
**********
The NJAALEOA wishes Jennifer Davenport the very best with her
future endeavors. Jennifer served as 1st Deputy
Attorney General within the Office of the NJ Attorney General. Jen
is a down to earth person, extremely knowledgeable with the law,
and the government process. Jennifer spoke in terms anyone could
understand even with dealing with complex issues. The best of luck
to you Jen Davenport.
Photo: NJ 1st
Deputy Attorney General
Jennifer Davenport seated center among Chiefs of Police and other
high ranking law enforcement personnel during a NJAALEOA Meet the
Chiefs program.
Next Friday (July 22, 2022)please tune in to the 101.5 Bill Spadea
morning radio . Barring any unforeseen events, at around 830-845 AM
long time member NJT Officer Brian Lee will be honored during the
BLUE segment of the show. Detective Lee recently did some great
investigative work to take a really bad guy off the streets of New
Jersey. Brian also assisted other departments investigating cases
involving this violent criminal. The association as noted many
times always wants to hear about the excellent things you do so we
can promote excellent police work and also great work performed by
our civilian members. Drop me an email [email protected].
Click on Photo to Enlarge
It
is with great sadness to state very long-time member and supporter
of the NJAALEOA has passed away. I have known this community leader,
down to earth person for several decades. I asked Virginia if she
could participate in an initiative with the Office of the NJ
Attorney General initiative. The initiative is a project when
completed will be shown to all law enforcement personnel in the
state of New Jersey. The project is in regards to the history of
Asian Americans in the US and the history of Asians within law
enforcement. Virginia never said no to me before and she didn't say
no this time. Infact Virginia in fast fashion became a very
important of the project with her vital contributions. I received an
email from Virginia a few days ago simply stating if she paid her
dues, she wasn't sure. That's Virginia, my friend , my mentor, my
advisor, my Coz as I called her so often. A donation to the
Virginia L. Ng scholarship fund can be made as noted below. The
below message is from the Organization of Chinese Americans, an
organization Virgina has led at the local and national levels for
many years. Coz, I am going to miss you RIP Bobby
Dear Members & Friends of OCA-NJ,
OCA-NJ
Mourns the Loss of Virginia Lou Ng
It is with
deep sorrow and regret that we must announce the sad news
that OCA-NJ Chapter Advisor, Virginia Lou Ng, passed
peacefully this morning. Our grief is buoyed by the legacy
she left behind. Virginia was a longtime leader and
supporter of OCA-NJ and the entire OCA national
organization. She touched many lives through her friendship,
her leadership, and her advocacy. She has mentored and
inspired so many, and we feel blessed to have been part of
her journey. Rest in Peace Virginia, you will be missed.
"With the heaviest heart I announced
the passing of my beloved wife Virginia of 48 years
peacefully in the arms and love of her family and
friends.
After a hard fought battle she
finally succumbed to the aggressive Thyroid cancer.
We are glad that the agony is over and she is
resting comfortably in the hands of Our Lord.
A Celebration of Life in her honor
will be held on July 9th, at the Glen Ridge
Congregational Church, 195 Ridgewood Ave., Glen
Ridge NJ.
Please RSVP to [email protected] if you are
interested in attending.
The association is privileged to have many super members. One of
our extraordinary members is Edison Police Officer Shirley Dong
Her bio is truly remarkable and an inspiration to every
girl/woman considering a career in law enforcement.
Police
Officer S. Dong
"I’m a 26-year-old Chinese American female. I was born in Manhattan New
York— the youngest of three to two Chinese immigrants. I grew up working
in my parent’s Chinese restaurant in Edison, New Jersey. In September of
2012 my dad became a victim of a robbery while delivering Chinese food.
The detective who helped my family out was Patrolwoman Lisa Cimmino.
Patrolwoman Cimmino was professional and went above and beyond for my
family. She even took the time to explain to me why she became a police
officer. I saw myself in her and knew I wanted to pursue a career where
I get to help and meet new people every day. I graduated high school
later that year and enrolled into Middlesex County College. While at
Middlesex County College, I became an Edison Police Auxiliary Officer
and worked as a Public Safety Telecommunicator overnight, first at Drew
University Department of Public Safety in Madison, South Brunswick
Police Department and then Edison Police Department. In July of 2016 I
got accepted into the Camden County College Police Academy as an
alternate route candidate. I graduated in December and was fortunate
enough to get hired back as a police officer in Edison, New Jersey— the
town that allowed my parents achieve their “American Dream”. I was
assigned to the patrol bureau for 4.5 years and was recently transferred
to the department’s new Community Oriented Policing Unit. I hope to
continue to give back to my community and inspire other females that you
can be a 5’2 and an Asian female and excel at performing the duties of a
police officer.
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