Standing together with Patrick Lynch
2017 NJSPBA Mini-Convention
For the benefit of C. O. P. S.
The knock on the door. The word that your law enforcement officer husband has been lost in the line of duty. The feeling of“ how am I going to tell my children they will never see their father again.”
When cops hear this story from C. O. P. S., they know how much it means to support C. O. P. S.
Lisa Preslar, President of the Garden State Concerns of Police Survivors( C. O. P. S.), shared the story of losing her husband, Lakewood Local 71 Officer William“ Niche” Preslar, killed in an auto accident in 2007, to inspire PBA members.
Each year, donations from the NJ State PBA and Locals make it possible for survivors to attend such healing events as Family Fun Day, summer camp and the annual bus trip to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D. C. Preslar wanted cops to know how much their support means to C. O. P. S.
“ When we were on that bus ride sponsored by the PBA, my five-year-old daughter pointed to another child and said,‘ She doesn’ t have a daddy anymore just like me,’” Preslar recalled.“ I knew right then and there we were part of something special.”
If these words make you want to give even more support to Garden State C. O. P. S., well that’ s exactly what Preslar intended.
“ You have made us the recipient of several of your fundraisers, and again this year with the help of NJ State PBA, we’ re sending our annual appeal letter,” she implored.“ Take it back home along with what you learned about us, and support the chapter of C. O. P. S. that supports New Jersey’ s law enforcement survivors.” d
Standing together with Patrick Lynch
New York City PBA President Patrick Lynch commanded the stage at the Mini-Convention with a speech that unified the room under his call to action for law enforcement to stand up against government officials who undermine the job of police. The process of reform has been an uphill battle, but Lynch explained how important it is for union workers to defend the benefits their profession deserves, no matter what neighborhood they come from.
“ It’ s more important now than ever that we stand together no matter where we come from, or what side of the river we live on,” stressed Lynch.“ We can never ever take a step back from what we do. We can never apologize for being a police officer, delegate or labor leader, and no one is going to defend( our) profession like we do.”
Lynch went on to describe how the benefits of law enforcement should not be in the hands of those who don’ t know what it means to wear a badge and walk the blue line. And while the media and government officials work to demonize PBA officers, members of the union should not step down from their post. Instead, they should continue to represent their union and draw support from their communities.
“ We need to help them understand, we are not better than everyone, but we’ re different. The job is different and we should be treated differently,” stated Lynch. His passion for the subject was met by a standing ovation from NJ State PBA members who stand behind his motion for reform. d
36 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MARCH 2017