2018 NJSPBA Valor Awards
pointing toward the tables in the ballroom at Harrah’s in Atlan-
tic City, where Local 137 members gathered after accepting the
award. “People who aren’t fortunate, people who aren’t able to
walk as well as us or talk as well as us – we want to help them
have a better life. If there’s anything we can do to help make that
happen, we’ll do it.”
The Local 137 mission to give back and stand strong extends
even beyond state borders. After Hurricane Florence devastated
the Carolinas this past September, the Local put together a large
donation of Toms River Police Department blankets and Home
Depot gift cards to help Wilmington Police Department officers
recover from the brutal storm.
The Local may constantly be on the lookout for new ways to
give back, but it’s the members’ consistency in supporting caus-
es nearest to their hearts that also makes a difference. In 2018,
Local 137 raised more than $12,000 for Special Olympics New
Jersey by participating in the Polar Bear Plunge, Plane Pull and
Snow Bowl – events that have become traditions for many mem-
bers.
“Having a lot of members, you always tend to have people
who are directly affected by various causes,” noted Local 137
Recording Secretary Kenneth Thomas. “We do have a number
of members that have a connection with the Special Olympics.
Getting involved is very important to us.”
It’s not just the PBA that notices the constant actions Local 137
members take to give back; the community does, too. Residents
who participate in the Toms River Bigs in Blue Program know
how hard Local 137 members work to shape positive relation-
ships with youth.
And when it comes to keeping officers safe, the community is
invested in Local 137. Toms River residents show their support
at the Local’s annual Vest-A-Cop event at Pizza Hut, where resi-
dents help raise money to purchase bulletproof vests for officers.
“Our community supports us, so we try to return the favor and
support them whenever we can,” Thomas explained.
The camaraderie of Local 137 was easy to see and feel at the
Valor Awards, as members enjoyed a night of celebrating each
other and the rest of the heroes in the room. And even though
they remain humble, it was clear that Local 137 members are
proud of what they do as they shared highlights of another busy
year, like members participating in three days of building a play-
ground with the Where Angels Play Foundation in memory of a
friend and community member from Lavallette.
And, of course, Local 137 always looks forward to member PJ
Gambarella taking on his yearly role of a skinny but passionate
Santa Claus bringing holiday cheer and gifts to sick children in
Toms River Children’s Specialized Hospital.
Some might describe Local 137’s involvement and giving back
as going above and beyond its duty of service. But it’s clear that
these members see it as a requirement – something they truly are
passionate about, and don’t ever intend on stopping.
“We’re happy to be recognized, but we’re not going to slow
down at all,” Dugan insisted. “This isn’t going to stop us from do-
ing what we love to do and giving back, however we can.”
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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