2018 NJSPBA Mini Convention
Stories by Mitchell Krugel and Amber Ramundo
Photos by Ed Carattini, Jr.
A High Note
Mini Convention overflows with unprecedented presence and benevolence
The emotional joyride the 2018 NJ State PBA Mini Conven-
tion activated on March 5-10 began with beguiling Atlantic City
Local 24 Officer Susan Johnson holding a high note on “home
of the brave” for what seemed like a minute in her dazzling per-
formance of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Within the next four days, Dianne and Seth Grossman moved
PBA members to cheers and tears by presenting Mallory’s
Army, the union-supported effort to thwart the cyberbullying
that took their 12-year-old daughter’s life less than a year ago,
Local 24 hero Josh Vadell wowed with the latest accounts of his
amazing comeback from being shot in the head, and the state’s
top government leaders pledged a new era of support for law
enforcement. A parade to the microphone on the convention
floor ensued, with Locals offering unprecedented donations
and love to the foundations for Mallory, Vadell and other causes
providing good and welfare for NJ law enforcement.
When the PBA Hockey Team finished its thrashing of the
Philadelphia Police Department in a physically cathartic con-
vention special game and an equally intense corrections of-
ficers breakout discussion transpired, the Mini had officially
gone gangbusters. By week’s end, the 2018 PBA Mini Conven-
tion set a record for attendance, standing ovations, tears shed
and dental hygiene.
“It was the biggest one we’ve ever had, hands down,” State
PBA Executive Vice President Marc Kovar declared in what
might have been the only understatement of the entire event.
“It gives you a real sense of pride that