GEORGIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51
freshments and snacks.
The contributions and attendance of the NJSPBA provided
more than food and drinks to the Georgia community, though.
It provided reassurance that the brothers and sisters of law en-
forcement stand together, no matter what.
“I think everybody is doing a similar job and in this line of
work there’s a certain level of respect that goes into that,” ex-
plained Curry. “It’s important to be part of the brotherhood and
the blue family. When someone gets hurt or something hap-
pens, we all hurt for them.”
The brotherhood of law enforcement was clearly present at
Monica’s funeral, where officers from across the nation, includ-
ing Minnesota, Michigan, Florida and Oklahoma, gathered in
masses on a gray, rainy day to pay their respects.
The PBA delegation was busy all day in the trailer parked
outside the funeral home, where they handed out waters, cof-
fee, hot dogs and other snacks to all those who attended. The
commissioner and warden of the Georgia DOC were among
many of the officers, politicians and community members who
stopped by the trailer to express how thankful they were that
New Jersey would travel such a long way to help out.
“They kept expecting to pay and asking how much they owe
us for the waters, energy bars and such,” Moran recalled. “We
had to explain that we have no cash register, that there’s no tip
jar. We’re here to just support you.”
The PBA members stayed stationed with the trailer on the
grounds of the viewing and funeral from start to finish each
day. They watched crowds of uniformed officers and grieving
community members arrive and disperse in a constant current
for the four hours that the viewing took place the day before the
52
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ JULY 2017
The NJ State PBA trailer was set up outside of Christopher Monica’s funeral,
providing food and refreshments to attendees throughout the day.
funeral. Even after the traffic of people settled and the day was
winding down, the PBA trailer received another visitor.
Sergeant Monica’s teenage daughter stopped by for a snack
after a long, emotional day and thanked the PBA members for
coming, sharing with them how much it would have meant to
her father.
“Sometimes you don’t realize how much it means to people,”
Curry confided. “We thought it was really nice that the family
came out and said something. It just makes you understand the
impact you can have.”
Georgia’s gratitude stuck with the Kaniuks on their long jour-
ney back to New Jersey. They spoke about what it would be like
to return to work if anything were to happen to each other on
the job. It’s a thought that makes them cherish the moments
that they have with each other and their family.
“No matter how good things run and no matter how perfect
you think you do things, anything can happen,” Dana stated.
“You always have to stand guard. You want to go into work and
come out the same way you came in.” d