NJ Cops | Page 29

In Mike We Trust Mike Kaniuk is known as a straightforward professional who gives it to you in black and white. He will put the “trust” in PFRS Trustee. ■ BY MITCHELL KRUGEL In-depth, biographical essays about a candidate for a significant elected position like Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) Trustee that tell all about the man behind the man would often begin with a colorful story about how the man gives his time to a thousand outside interests. But that’s not the case with Mike Kaniuk. Mike Kaniuk doesn’t really have outside interests. Oh, he lives the home life, sees his kids, spends time with his fiancé and all that. Otherwise, he devotes his time mostly to representing the rank-andfile members of Middlesex County Corrections Local 152, as well as the supervisors in the correctional facility. He’s been serving as the Local’s State Delegate the past 18 years and is in his second term as the 152 President. He is the NJ State PBA’s Financial Secretary and has spent much of his time as a PBA Executive Board Member promoting the rise of corrections officers in the pantheon of law enforcement. And if that doesn’t make Kaniuk the ideal candidate for PFRS Trustee, then consider this: He brings a walking-the-walk, boots-on-the-ground, representing-all-officers-from-the-newest-to-the-most-senior-supervisor approach and perspective that the PFRS Board truly needs. Or will see that it needs. “Mike is a good fit for the position because, yes, we need a view from the correctional side,” confirms the one man who has the inside view on the PFRS Board: Keith Bennett, the Atlantic City Local 24 State Delegate who is in his second year as a PFRS Trustee. “Knowing Mike the way I do, I know he’s not afraid to ask the tough questions,” Bennett continues. “He’s not one to rubber stamp everything or say no to everything. And he’s so dedicated to the membership that I think he will be a total asset to the PFRS Board.” In an investigative effort to find the tell-all behind Mike Kaniuk, the PFRS TRUSTEE ELECTION: Ballots go out on or about May 26. Michael Kaniuk will be listed in position No. 2 on the ballot catchphrase that keeps coming back from those who have worked with him, from those he represents, from tho ͔