A look behind the Mini Convention curtain
n BY AMBER RAMUNDO
As long as NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan can remember, the mission of the PBA Mini Convention has stuck to the same central agenda for law enforcement.
“ It’ s about pension, pay, benefits and officer safety— everything the union stands for,” stated Colligan.“ It’ s a chance for all members to get a little taste of everything.”
From March 5-9, PBA members from across the state will gather once again to take a seat at the Mini Convention’ s table for a full-course schedule of dynamic presentations. The week-long symposium includes some of New Jersey’ s top political figures, inspirational leaders and great storytellers, all of whom stand with and for law enforcement.
Included in that group will be newly elected Governor Phil Murphy, who takes the podium on March 7 as a strong indicator of the relationship that the PBA has built with state government. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and U. S. Attorney Craig Carpenito will also address the PBA on how the new administration can work with law enforcement to meet their needs.
In addition, PBA members will hear a presentation led by Dianne Grossman about the Mallory’ s Army Foundation to further discuss the impact of cyberbullying, the toxic psychological abuse that led her 12-year-old daughter to take her own life.
Acclaimed CBS News producer Megan Towey also will take center stage at the Mini Convention to discuss her reporting on carbon monoxide exposure in Ford Explorers, vehicles that many police departments use for patrol and other functions.
And of course, it wouldn’ t be the Mini Convention without Steve Kalafer, the owner of Flemington Car and Truck Country. Kalafer is best known for giving back to law enforcement through countless donations made to the NJSPBA Survivor and Welfare Fund and a history of doubling the 50-50 jackpot at the convention.
Needless to say, this year’ s Mini Convention offers an assortment of topics, information and even sports. Members
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March 5-9 NJ State PBA Mini Convention
Bally’ s 1900 Boardwalk, Atlantic City For information, contact the NJ State PBA at 732-636-8860
won’ t want to miss out on the exhilarating agenda or the NJSPBA hockey game scheduled for 2:30 p. m. on March 7 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Atlantic City.
“ Even if you’ re not interested in hockey, support the team by coming out and seeing how they really play, while raising some money for a good cause,” Colligan stressed. d
www. njcopsmagazine. com ■ FEBRUARY 2018 51