Local Spotlight: Toms River Local 137
Looking out for their own…
and everybody else
n BY NICK SWEDBERG
The bustling Jersey Shore community of Toms River might
be best known as a summertime tourist destination or the
occasional setting for TV series drama. The feeling of calm,
relaxation and peace that residents and visitors have come to
expect is one of the great experiences the women and men of
Toms River Local 137 work tirelessly to serve and protect.
But it’s nothing short of amazing what Local 137 has en-
dured to maintain as much of that peace and calm as pos-
sible. After more than a decade without an officer-involved
shooting death, Toms River officers have been involved in two
such incidents within the past year. And that’s in addition to
the tragedy that befell Local 137 member Brett Hansen in Jan-
uary.
The most recent incident occurred on March 14 when a
56-year-old man, believed to be in need of mental health in-
tervention services, was killed during a physical altercation.
And last year, prosecutors said an 18-year-old man sought
“suicide by officer” when he called police and walked toward
arriving officers armed with a kitchen knife. Local 137 officers
have rallied around their brethren involved in the shootings.
“As a police family and a union, we sit side-by-side with
these officers and their families every step of the way.” said
Local 137 President Brian Dugan, a native of Toms River who
started with the department in 2004.
After each of these incidents, the Local executive board has
mobilized quickly to take care of the needs of the officers and
their families, said State Delegate Jesse Robertazzi. Members
of the Local have responded as brothers and sisters do, mow-
ing the lawns of officers involved in shootings and sending
text messages to check on their well-being.
“We’re the only people who can relate to what they’re going
through … other than soldiers in combat,” said Robertazzi,
who joined the Toms River department in 2001.
In January, tragedy struck another officer. Hansen, who had
been with the department just 18 months, was involved in a
motor vehicle crash and has remained in a coma since Jan. 4.
Local 137 officers have donated money, sick time and even
have worked shifts for Hansen to provide funding for his
treatment. The members started a GoFundMe page and have
executed nearly daily fundraising efforts in the community to
generate additional support for the Hansen family.
Beyond their daily law enforcement work, Local 137 mem-
bers frequently find opportunities to be active in the com-
munity through volunteer work and fundraising. In February,
more than 20 officers and dispatchers participated in the Po-
lar Bear Plunge and raised more than $7,500 for Special Olym-
pics.
Among many community events, officers from Local 137
also have participated in other Special Olympics fundraisers
as well as a chili cook off held at musician Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul
Kitchen restaurant. The Local has won the contest each of the
past two years.
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ MARCH 2017
The Local also participated in rebuilding a playground that
was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy as part of the “Where An-
gels Play” program. And each year, more than 20 members
ride the Police Unity Tour.
Robertazzi said it’s a blessing to have a community that
cares about their officers as much as the citizens of Toms Riv-
er.
“They’re very supportive of our needs,” Robertazzi said.
“And, with that, we give back as a PBA.” d