NJ Cops | Page 39

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 Smith. But how can a Local keep its executive board functioning successfully on a daily basis? “You really must have an understanding of the position you hold on the executive board,” Hulse articulates. “The State PBA Bylaws give a good description: Presidents need to be the CEO, the State Delegate is the go-between for members between the Local and the State and everybody has a very specific and important job. When people don’t understand what they should be doing, sometimes they overstep. Or they under step. The system is designed to work smoothly when everybody is functioning according to design.” Membership participation A key, says Longport Local 363 State Delegate Chris Ricciotti, is to get members to understand that, “Even though they are tired and they might have to sacrifice family time, they are willing to do it because they know it makes us look better.” So how do you get them to make the sacrifice? One memorable night can’t bring Local members together. Trenton Local 11 State Delegate Drew Astbury noted that his members had the experience when they all went to Washington D.C. to see officers Edgar Rios and James Letts honored as NAPO Top Cops in 2014. “We’re still talking about that night,” added Astbury, noting that Local 11 was named PBA Local of the Year that same year. “Outside of work, something Z