LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41
Local 116.
That’s the way it always was in the Carroll household. Regard-
less of how busy Dick was, receiving phone calls at all hours of
the day and night from PBA members, when Richard or any of
his other siblings – Bobby, who served as an NJ State Trooper,
Mary Pat, Matthew or Thomas – needed guidance, they could al-
ways count on Dad.
“You could turn to him in any situation,” Richard states. “He
would always figure out how to straighten things out and come
up with some sort of plan.”
Memorial Day
The scent of barbeque fills the air as the Carroll family and
friends from the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh gather in Rich-
ard’s backyard. Memorial Day 2017 is much more than an excuse
to have a three-day weekend for this group of men and women,
who have served in the country’s armed forces over multiple gen-
erations.
It’s a day of sorrow and remembrance, but Richard feels a cer-
tain sense of pride that he’s about to share with his father.
“Come on, dad. I’ve got something to show you in the back
house,” Richard announces, pulling his father away from his end-
less storytelling.
They walk from the house to a detached garage in the back-
yard, and father and son make small talk until Richard opens the
door and signals Dick to step inside. He stands still for a moment
looking around the newly renovated space. At first, he can hardly
make sense of what he sees.
“He must have walked in and out of the room a dozen times
before it really dawned on him,” Richard details.
Richard stands back to watch his father come to recognition.
He’s envisioned what this moment would be like as he collected
artifacts of his father’s career of service and finally decided to cre-
42
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ NOVEMBER 2017
Hoboken Local 2 State Delegate Mark Aurigemma (left) and President Marc
Marsi continue to work alongside 93-year-old PBA member Dick Carroll.
ate a shrine dedicated to his achievements. Carroll recognizes all
his medals, WWII flags, military pins and PBA plaques hanging on
the walls. He is speechless.
“My great son. He erected this museum for me,” Carroll de-
scribes. “I went through the Army, the war, the police department
and everything, and living to be 93. There’s only one guy you’d
thank – God.”
Carroll’s accomplishments come to life in this museum of ser-
vice, where framed black-and-white photographs and relics tell
the story of the places he’s been and the impact he’s had. At 93,
with 71 years of service, Carroll has no official retirement in sight.
His work laid the foundation for police academies, paychecks,
pension plans and negotiations that continue today.
“I had a great career and I’ve enjoyed it very much,” Carroll
states, leaning back in his office chair at the credit union. “My life
as a police officer was very different than most. I’m very proud of
that.”
Carroll may or may not be the oldest PBA member. But one
thing’s for sure: He’s definitely one of the finest. d