Response Time
A conversation with a prominent NJ State PBA member
This month :
Livingston Local 263 State Delegate Jose Antunes
The Vitals
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Grew up in Livingston
Former Livingston fire department and EMT volunteer
Law enforcement officer since 2004
Local 263 State Delegate since 2013
Certified motor officer
F irst Response
What do you feel has been your greatest responsibility serving as the
Local 263 State Delegate the past four years?
You’re in a unique position because you have access to so many resources and contacts that
you are given that opportunity (to make an impact within the Local). If you don’t use that
opportunity, you’re essentially hurting your fellow brother and sister members. However,
you can only do so much. It’s very difficult to fix things from the bottom. But you have to try.
If you’re not trying, then you’re not doing your job.
Conversation pieces
What made you want to become a law enforcement officer?
I was working in New York City during the 9/11 attacks. I was recently out of college working
my first career job, and I wasn’t content. After 9/11, I took a step back and reassessed what I
was doing. Since I had been a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Livingston since the age of 19,
I had exposure to emergency services. I decided to take (my career) in a different direction
and began taking police tests. I was lucky enough to get hired in the town where I grew up.
What are some of Billy’s qualities that you’ve tried to replicate as
Delegate?
His level of dedication. I don’t think anybody was as dedicated as he was to the PBA. Also,
his ability to remember names. The guy knew everybody by name. He’d meet them once and
know their name forever. I’ve tried to replicate that and it’s tough for me. But, I’m trying to
do the best I can.
What’s it like to serve the community when you grew up? How do you like being a motor officer?
Essentially, you have the old memories of growing up in the town, and everything changes
over the years. It’s nice in the way that I have friends that I went to high school with who
decided to raise their families in Livingston, and now I’m seeing them around town when I’m
on patrol. That’s what’s special about working in a local municipality. Becoming a motor officer was the hardest certification I think I’ve ever earned. It was tough,
but it’s been completely rewarding. I love it. You do end up doing a lot of funeral escorts, but
even that in itself has led me to meet more people and get involved in different circles. The
certification is very demanding, but once you get it and you’re able to perform (the riding
skills), it’s a great feeling.
How did you become State Delegate?
My good friend Billy Brennan was the Local 263 State Delegate for 21 years. Billy was getting
close to retirement during the beginning of the Christie attack on our pension and benefits.
I asked him, “What’s the PBA doing about this?” He told me to come to a State PBA meeting
to see what goes on. I took him up on it and went. I was always interested in politics, so I just
took a natural liking to it.
And then what happened?
As Billy approached retirement a few years later, he said he thought I’d be a good fit for
(State Delegate). I was honored because he had done it for so long and was well respected
throughout the state. During the last year of his term, he resigned, and I took over to make
sure I would like the job and could handle the responsibility. The sad part is, about a year
after, Billy suffered a very serious stroke and ended up passing away.
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ NOVEMBER 2017
Last Response
You said you enjoy politics. What’s it been like keeping your members
informed during election season, and do you have any advice to share
with other State Delegates?
One of the simplest and best things that I did was to simply start a proper email thread.
Because of time constraints in people’s lives, people don’t always come to Local meetings. I’ve
been able to put out a decent amount of information via email to the membership. I advise
them as to why things are the way they are. It’s been a difficult political process going into
this election having members question what the PBA is doing. I think if there’s one thing we
have at the PBA, it’s plenty of accurate information.