Response Time
A conversation with a prominent NJ State PBA member
This month
Mainland Local 77 past State Delegate and President Ray Theriault
The Vitals
• Grew up in East Windsor, Connecticut
• Detective since 2001
• Hired by Egg Harbor Police Department in • Former Local 77 Financial Secretary
August 1993
• Local 77 State Delegate, 2004-2008
• Local 77 President, 2008-2018
F irst Response
• Married to Beatrice since 1984
• Father of Chad, Eric, Keith and Brent
As you approach retirement, how do you look back on 25 years of
service and being a part of the PBA?
I relate it to when I was in the Marine Corps for six years. When I got out of the marines, I was
looking for something (with a tight brotherhood) like that. You develop relationships that
are lifelong. Since my involvement with the PBA, I have really taken pride and enjoyment in
being able to help guys. Our motto is helping those who help others. That’s really what I take
away from this. I’ve given it my best to help guys as much as I can throughout my career. In
2008, when I fi rst got elected (Local) President, the economy tanked. Members were getting
laid off all over the place. It was so bad within the Local that my department allowed me to
work full-time for the PBA, and our Local reimbursed the town for my salary. I spent weeks
and weeks at committee meetings trying to save jobs, which we were pretty successful
doing.
Conversation pieces
How did you get involved within Local 77 and progress to leadership
roles?
When I started, the shop steward that we had was stepping down, and only one person put
his name in the hat to take over the role. He wasn’t the kind of guy that I wanted to represent
me. So, I threw my name in, and the rest was history. I (later) got asked by the Executive
Board to run for fi nancial secretary. Once I was on the Executive Board, the position of State
Delegate opened, and I got asked to run for that. I did and was elected, and the same thing
with President. I’ve worked for four diff erent chiefs who have all been supportive and given
me the time I need to do the job.
What has been the most rewarding part of being involved with the
PBA?
It’s been an eye-opening experience. When I started, I knew nothing about labor and law.
I was really green. Now, I’m certainly not an attorney but I know my stuff when it comes to
what management can and cannot do and the proper procedures that need to be followed.
It’s been a great learning experience for me. It’s set me up for my job after retirement, where
I’ll continue my involvement as Local 77’s business agent.
What makes you want to stay involved with Local 77?
I like the work. I like helping the guys and, quite honestly, it keeps me connected to that
brotherhood. We have close to 500 active members and another 350 retired members in the
Local. I talk to retirees all the time, and they tell me that’s what they miss. Every one of them
misses the brotherhood. They miss coming in for briefi ngs and sitting down and conversing
with the members.
26
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ JUNE 2018
Is there any advice that you can give to new offi cers?
I’m the crime scene guy at our police department, so I normally get to train all the new guys
who come in about crime scenes. The one thing that I tell them is that this job is not rocket
science. You can get by with common sense, and if you just do the right thing, you’ll be fi ne.
What are you looking forward to as you approach your retirement
date?
There’s obviously some apprehension. June 29 is my last day of work. When I wake up June
30, what’s it going to feel like knowing that I don’t have to put the uniform on and go to
work? I’m thankful that I’m not walking away. It’s just a diff erent hat. My fi rst grandchild is
coming at the end of June. (My wife and I) will be headed out to spend some time with the
baby in Phoenix. I’m really looking forward to that. It’s the right time. Law enforcement is a
young man’s game. I’m tired of working nights. It’s just time to move on.
Last Response
How will you look back on your 25 years of service to the PBA?
I look back at what the salaries were back in 1993 versus where they’re at now. While they
aren’t what they are in North Jersey, they’ve come a long way. I would like to think that I had
a part in that. I’ve been very fortunate to have had a mentor, a guy who took our Local by the
reins. He was my predecessor and is our current business agent. I’m thankful for his guidance.
Norman Meyers has helped guide me and point me in the right direction. He’s my go-to guy
when I don’t know the answer. It’s a group eff ort. I’m thankful for the executive boards that
I’ve had and everyone I’ve worked with along the way.