Another Mini Convention expected to inspire attendees
Over the years, it’s become apparent
that the NJ State PBA Mini Convention
is something that has to be experienced
firsthand.
The awe-inspiring storytelling that
transpires each year is something that
only those who have attended can ful-
ly understand. For example, at past
conventions, members felt goose-
bumps when they listened to speaker
Will Jimeno talk about what it was like
to survive 9/11. They winced in pain
when Atlantic City Local 24 member
Josh Vadell shared details about recov-
ering from a gunshot to the head. And
they shed tears hearing Dianne Gross-
man talk about the pain of losing her
12-year-old daughter to suicide.
It’s unforgettable moments like these
that have made planning the Mini
Convention a challenge for conven-
tion committee members, who want to
make sure that each year offers some-
thing spectacular. “We keep raising the
bar to deliver the latest, most pertinent
information to our membership,” notes
convention committee chair Peter An-
dreyev. “We strive for excellence. That’s
NJ State PBA Mini Convention
March 4-8
Bally’s Atlantic City
our measure of success.”
This year’s Mini Convention kicks
off March 4 with a packed agenda of
speakers, information and network-
ing opportunities that members won’t
want to miss. Though the full list of
speakers won’t be released prior to the
event, members can look forward to an
enriching presentation by former law
enforcement officer Peter Killeen and
Dr. Anastasia Pytal about “Operation
Longevity,” a program to help mem-
bers get past the stigma often associat-
ed with mental healthcare.
Steve Kalafer, owner of Flemington
Car and Truck Country, will also return
to add excitement by once again con-
tributing generously to the 50-50 raffle.
Members can also look forward to
watching the Jersey’s Strongest PBA
hockey team throw it down on the ice
in a game against the FDNY EMS hock-
ey team on March 6 at 2 p.m. at the Fly-
ers Skate Zone in Atlantic City. The PBA
will stand strong in support of not only
its hockey team but also Pablo Santia-
go, a beloved member of Mercer Coun-
ty Sheriff’s Officers Local 187 who was
lost to suicide in December. Tickets
cost $10. All proceeds from the game
will benefit Santiago’s family.
From inspirational speakers to in-
formative presentations and exciting
events, each member can expect to
benefit from the Mini Convention —
as long as they’re there to experience
it themselves. “Expect something new
and something fresh,” NJSPBA Presi-
dent Pat Colligan insists. “I assure you
when you get there, you will leave with
something educational.”
www.njcopsmagazine.com
■ FEBRUARY 2019 53