NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JANUARY 2014
helps to make you a well-rounded person. It helps you to network, meet new people and hear various opinions. It’s an open
environment to talk, where there isn’t always a right answer, but
a way to gain different perspectives.”
And an old mentor’s words further validated Matt’s outlook:
“I remember Tony Wieners telling me that education was something nobody could ever take away from you,” Smith related.
Making the grade
All that Smith experienced throughout his education certainly has not been lost on his supervisors.
“Matt is a tremendous asset and we’re happy to have him,”
asserted PAPD Captain Charles O’Connor. “He’s smart – one of
the best we have. It’s wonderful to have officers who have
advanced college credentials and the experience and perspective that comes with it. Their advanced training makes them
more valuable to us.”
Five years into his career with the Port Authority, Smith said
he intends to continue demonstrating this value and seeing
where it takes him.
“Everyone aspires to be the best in their field and to be promoted,” he emphasized. “And education is a way to help you keep
up with everyone and stand out on your own. It also shows that
you’re able to handle more than just your typical workload, meet
deadlines and be dedicated toward completing a task or goal.”
O’Connor could not agree more: “Matt exemplifies what we
are trying to do,” he said. “To move through the ranks, we look
for well-rounded officers with experience, training and the aptitude to conduct complex investigations. He’s growing into his
position and I can’t say enough good things about him. He has
a bright future ahead of him. He’s going to go far.”
President Wieners sees a similar path for his young
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apprentice:
“Seeing him back then and what
he is today,” ruminated Wieners, “it’s
just remarkable how well he’s done
for himsel