On Nov . 17 , State Corrections Local 105 proved its tactical skills by winning first place in New Jersey ’ s “ Best of the Best ” competition . The winning Local 105 hostage negotiation team originally was led by faithful member Major Edwin Rodriguez before he tragically passed away on Nov . 26 , 2016 , just four days before his retirement date .
Lieutenant Bertha Lowery became Local 105 ’ s new team leader after Rodriguez ’ s passing . She insisted that members press forward with intense training with State Corrections and the FBI .
Over the past year , Local 105 ’ s hostage negotiation team has dedicated all of its tireless practice to Rodriguez , who was honored at the “ Best of the Best ” competition with an award in his name .
Local 105 ’ s hostage negotiation team became the winners of the first-ever Major Rodriguez Award at the “ Best of the Best ” competition . The pride in their victory showed when the State Corrections Officers was presented with the towering gold trophy by Rodriguez ’ s widow , Lucy . d
The best of the best of State Corrections
www . njcopsmagazine . com ■ DECEMBER 2017 87