GETTING PIGGY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53
help of the event’ s largest sponsor, Mets Schiro & McGovern LLP, the Pat Colligan Pension Pig Roast raised $ 25,000 for the cause in its first two years.
“ To me, the best part is that everybody who comes has a good time,” noted Tardio, who credits former Local 50 State Delegate Pam Ricciardi for coming up with the idea to put a creative flair on the name of the event.
But the Pension Pig Roast is much more than just an opportunity to make Christie the butt of his own joke. PBA members returned to the Oak Tree Lodge in Wall knowing that there was a little something for everyone to enjoy, including live music, mini golf and a pool.
“ This is good for the families of law enforcement to relax and hang out together,” stated Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, who sponsored the ice cream truck that made the Pension Pig Roast unforgettable for many kids.“ I have over 100 officers and 300 corrections officers. I know how hard these guys work.”
Many of the members, like Englewood Local 216 State Delegate Carlos Calderin, attended the first Pension Pig Roast and return every summer to support the fundraiser and spend a day with the family that never disappoints.
“ There’ s everything for the kids you could imagine,” noted Calderin, who added that his three sons anticipate the return of the event each year.“ Pat( Colligan) has been a great president. Any fundraiser that has anything to do with him, we’ re right there supporting 110 percent.”
Though the name definitely gets some attention and amusement, the meaning behind the Pension Pig Roast runs deeper. For the Monmouth County Conference, it’ s about showing the support that PBA members provide one another and how strong they are when they stand united.
“ It’ s the understanding of how important it is for us to stick together,” explained Englewood Local 216 President Joe Hammond.“ It’ s the camaraderie. We stay together and have a strong bond.” d
Englewood Local 216 State Delegate Carlos Calderin( left) and President Joe Hammond enjoyed a fun game of horseshoes.
Members from Monmouth County Sheriffs Local 314, with Sheriff Shaun Golden( center, purple shirt), enjoyed some lighthearted fun at the Pension Pig Roast.
54 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ AUGUST 2018