Passaic County Prosecutor’ s Office Local members join Operation New Jersey Pride in Puerto Rico
One month after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, the NJ State Police organized a deployment of law enforcement to help serve the territory still faced with major distress. When Jose Castillo and David Posada of Passaic County Prosecutor’ s Office Local 265 were notified of the Operation New Jersey Pride effort, they both knew that they wanted to be a part of it.
On Oct. 21, Castillo and Posada joined the deployment of an estimated 100 officers to fly to Puerto Rico for two weeks of disaster relief efforts.
“ It was an opportunity to be a part of a humanitarian effort that we don’ t have exposure to here,” stated Castillo.“ We decided to put our personal lives aside to go down there and provide some help for people who really need it.”
Both Castillo and Posada are of Latino descent, and Posada even has a cousin who lives in Puerto Rico and was affected by the hurricane. Together, they assisted the local police with security and traffic control, which were crucial in an area with no working traffic lights. They also helped to distribute supplies like batteries, diapers, water and other basic needs of the community left with nearly nothing after the storm. Still, the Local 265 members were stunned by the generosity of the residents who were so thankful for the support.
“ I was blown away by the hospitality Puerto Rico gave us,” Posada shared.“ These people have nothing and yet they would
Passaic County Prosecutor’ s Office Local 265 members David Posada( left) and Jose Castillo assist local law enforcement in Puerto Rico during the hurricane relief effort.
stop and give us water and bring us food— full-blown meals.”
During the two weeks that Castillo and Posada were stationed there, the officers had little access to communication with their families, as cellular service was scarce in the area. But the generosity of the people in Puerto Rico made Castillo and Posada feel welcomed and appreciated as they served a community in dire need of assistance. d
64 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ NOVEMBER 2017