NJ State PBA Main Convention
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Paradise Found
Convention presents messages of inspiration and
reinforcement for PBA members
n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL
n PHOTOS BY ED CARATTINI, JR.
Father John McCrone preached the message the 2017 NJ State
PBA Main Convention made to the more than 750 members who
attended, a much-needed affirmation that delegates could bring
back to their Local members.
“May we return with a sense of renewal and rededication,” the
good Father proclaimed.
Now, it would be a tad implausible to report that a PBA conven-
tion held in “Paradise” would offer an intense and packed agenda
like so many have since 2014, when State President Pat Colligan
and Executive Vice President Marc Kovar first took up their posts
on the dais. So the 2017 Main Convention held at Atlantis on Para-
dise Island, Bahamas instead focused its efforts on inspiration and
rejuvenation.
It became a week to enjoy being law enforcement and celebrate
being officers. Sure, time was devoted to the next chapter of state
government, Chapter 78 and what PBA members must do to main-
tain a voice in it all during the next few weeks. But when the Royal
Bahamas Police Force Band headlined day one of the convention
with a set that would have made Bon Jovi proud, members knew
this would be a week they had been waiting for to exhale. And one
they all have earned.
A divine providence beyond even Father McCrone seemed to
bless this convention when Hurricane Irma passed by the land of
700 islands just days prior to the start of convention week, Sept.
14-20, without administering even a blade of damage. Clearly, there
was a lesson to be learned from all this, and it was put into words by
one of the Bahamas’ finest.
“I challenge you to continue your training, to continue to devel-
op your officers,” submitted The Honourable Frankie Campbell, M.
P., Minister of Transport and Local Government of The Bahamas,
who added that he once proudly wore a law enforcement officer’s
uniform. “I suggest that experience and exposure has the ability to
prepare you for further service. Remember, there is strength in uni-
ty and my prayer is that it will include all of the law enforcement
community.”
The strength in unity certainly was underscored when Atlantic
City Local 24 member Josh Vadell came to the podium to celebrate
NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan
invites Atlantic City Local 24 mem-
ber Josh Vadell to address members
and tell the story of his miraculous
recovery from a gunshot wound to
the head.
his recovery from a gunshot to the head when responding to a rob-
bery a year ago. It was at the convention a year ago that members
watched video of Vadell leaving the hospital after 12 harrowing days
in intensive care, and when introducing him to address the mem-
bership, Colligan pinpointed the significance of the PBA’s special
guest this week.
www.njcopsmagazine.com
■ OCTOBER 2017 47