NJ Cops Nov18 | Page 52

TO BE DETERMINED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51 another inmate committing suicide recently. He received an overwhelming response, and Local 231 raised the most money for the Walk. “I called a meeting with my members and said, ‘Let’s be pro- active and try to raise money for this epidemic growing so fast that we can’t keep up,’” Bermudez noted. “We wanted to be out in front, and we wanted to create a way to show that we do care.” Bermudez reached out to NJ State PBA President Pat Colli- gan, who pledged support to supplement Local 231’s fundrais- ing. Word of the event then spread to Local 105, whose Third Vice President Mike Gallagher responded by gathering a con- tingent of members to walk and support. Local 105 brought its special events trailer to the Cumberland County Fairgrounds where the Darkness Walk was held, and members passed out water, juice, donuts and more to walkers. Huff attributed much of the growth in the event this year to the participation of Local 105, of which her husband Darren is a member and works alongside Gallagher at South Woods State Prison in Cumberland County. Gallagher added that being part of the Darkness Walk is part of the Local 105 campaign to help members deal with and over- come the many challenges and stressors of working in correc- tions. Members at several facilities have been trained in the Question-Persuade-Response method that is part of the PBA’s peer liaison program and teaches the warning signs of sisters and brothers who might be giving in to those challenges and stressors. Additionally, Local 105 is running softball, basketball and even cornhole tournaments to give members ways and means to deal with the stress. “That’s why the union is here, to give our people outlets to blow off some steam,” Gallagher explained. “It’s part of our message that help is always available, that there’s always some- body to talk to no matter what and that suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem.” Bermudez also saw the Walk as an opportunity to educate members about what can cause suicide, especially opioid abuse, which has become an equally rising epidemic. And to educate the community about what officers go through inside the prison walls that can lead to post-traumatic stress disor- ders, opioid abuse or worse. “For law enforcement to be there with the community is a great thing,” Bermudez continued. “At any given time, any one of us could be a victim.” Prior to the start of the Cumberland County Out of Darkness Walk, a wife and daughter of a former law enforcement officer lost to suicide addressed the participants. That helped accentu- ate the ultimate goal of this event. NEW! Bullet Hole Annex Shooting Sports & Indoor Firearms Range 78 Rutgers Street • Belleville, NJ 07109 [phone] STATE OF THE ART INDOOR FIREARMS RANGE 10 ports, 23 yards long with electronic target movers. Bright and clean with climate-controlled environment and excellent airflow. The area’s only range capable of handling high-powered rifles and handguns. AMMO Specials AMMO BY THE CASE (tax included!) • Magtech 9mm FMJ 1000 rounds: $239 (just $11.95/box!) • Magtech 40 S&W FMJ 1000 rounds: $319 (just $15.95/box!) • 12 ga. 2 ¾” 00 buck- shot 250 rounds: $100 FIREARMS RANGE & PRO SHOP • The best selection of Firearms • Police Equipment • Experienced In-House Gunsmith Services CLASSES & SERVICES • SORA/[email protected] • NJ & PA Hunting Licenses • Retired/Security/ Carry Permit Qualifications • NRA Courses – Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun • Women-Only Programs NEW Hunting & Fishing Pro Shop & Ultra Modern Indoor Archery Range 236 Washington Avenue • Belleville, NJ 07109 [phone] Brand NEW Ultra Modern Training Facility & Indoor Archery Range Training: [phone] or [phone] Email: [email protected] “We Rent Archery Equipment – Show Up and Shoot” ARCHERY & FISHING PRO SHOP • Hunting Gear/Live Bait • Professional Fresh & Saltwater Tackle • Our Fishing Staff are Tournament Participants. Get Real Expert Advice! Over 40 Years of Service to New Jersey Cops www.BulletHoleNJ.com 52 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ NOVEMBER 2017 ARCHERY TRAINING • Leagues • Kids Programs/Parties • In-House Bow Technicians/Instructors