News update: carry permits, RPO cards and Local 600 elections
JIM TOMA
STATE DELEGATE
During the past few weeks, I have received numerous emails and phone calls, as well as copies of federal law, state law and constitutional law – and made-up law from many of our members – related to the decisions coming from the NJ State Police, NJ State Legislature and U. S. Congress concerning carry permits, RPO cards, HR 218, magazine capacity and the PBA’ s Legal Protection Plan( LPP).
First, let me clarify: I do not make the laws or decisions concerning these rulings. Therefore, I am the wrong person to vent to about these matters. Regardless, I will continue to report about all decisions, rulings and laws as I get information.
As I have written about previously, New Jersey is in a fluid situation. I believe this state is not accustomed to following federal law, but as of now, HR 218 is the law for carrying concealed in all 50 states. In August, we will meet for final( for now) decisions concerning RPO cards, clarifying the new state law on mags, hollow points, and LPP as it applies to members’ ages and availability for members who reside out of state. I hope to report on all answers and decisions on these matters in the
September issue. Remember, as of this moment, if you are carrying open as part of employment then you must have a state-issued RPO card and follow all rules associated with that law. Now onto other news: On June 12, Local 600 had elections for three trustee positions. Congratulations to the following on being elected:
Tod Coletta: Hired by Englewood Cliffs in 1988 and retired as a lieutenant in 2013, Tod has been active in the PBA throughout his career and currently serves as Local 600’ s rep to the Bergen County Conference. Along with his new trustee position, Tod also serves as Local 600 Alternate State Delegate.
Tod Coletta, Retired Eastern Bergen County Local 45( left) and Bob DeMarco, Retired Bergen County Local 104.
Tom Connors, Retired Central Bergen County Local 86
Robert DeMarco: Bob served with the U. S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he began his law enforcement career in corrections, then moved on to the NJ State Division of Alcohol Beverage Control. He remained there for 30 years and retired as a Supervisor Inspector. Bob has been an active member of Local 600 since 2003 and a PBA member since 1956.
Tom Connors: Tom joined the Ridgefield Park PD in 1972, and he retired as a sergeant in 1998. A past president and State Delegate of Central Bergen County Local 86, he is currently serving as recording secretary for the Bergen County Mutual Aid Society.
Finally, I would like to congratulate our 10 Local 600 scholarship recipients, who were presented with a check and certificate at our June meeting. All recipients are children or grandchildren of Local 600 members and have outstanding academic records and community service involvement.
16 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JULY 2018
PBA Local 600 Scholarship Recipients 2018( from left):
• Kolin Drew Thievon: Sponsored by John Thievon, retired Toms River Local 137
• Kasey Taylor Thievon: Sponsored by John Thievon, retired Toms River Local 137
• Matthew Santi: Sponsored by Thomas Connors, retired Central Bergen County Local 86
• Erin Buckman: Sponsored by Stuart Buckman, retired Somerset County Prosecutors Office Local 307
• Kamryn Hubeny: Sponsored by Adam Hubney, retired Monmouth County Detectives Local 256
• Jared Weber: Sponsored by Craig Weber, retired Ramsey Local 155
• Colin Miller: Sponsored by Joe Testa, retired Bloomfield Local 32
• Christine Miller: Sponsored by Donald Boonstra, retired Passaic County Sheriff’ s Officers Local 286
Not pictured:
• Emily Cirminiello: Sponsored by Jerry Ricciardelli, retired Bloomfield Local 32
• Sydnei Wactor: Sponsored by Don Wactor, retired Orange Local 89 d