2016 NJSPBA
Valor Awards
A SHOE IN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45
want to be the guy they know they can count on.”
Now Dudley does not profess to being a goody two-shoes, but
he does try to motivate all of his members to put their best foot
forward. Such is the way Local 146 combined with neighboring
Middlesex Borough Local 181 to raise nearly $50,000 for events
involved with the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Some of that success has come through the relationship Local
146 has cultivated with Ellery’s Restaurant in Dunellen and owner John Ellery’s support. Some of it has come from events the Local runs, like its annual wine and beer tasting and Trunk or Treat
that started the year Hurricane Sandy wiped out Halloween and
has been taking place annually ever since.
Clearly, Dudley never wants the shoe to be on the other foot.
He learned his devotion from his father, Craig, a USCW member for more than 40 years who helped his son get his first union
card at 14 years old. His passion for law enforcement started as
a teenager, when he went on a ride-along with his cousin, Frank
Melillo, a Beachwood officer and Local 253 member. His commitment to his town and his family comes from living with his wife
Christine, son Jack and daughter Addison in the house Christine
grew up in, one block away from the house where he grew up.
“I think the biggest thing I’d like to be noticed in all of this is
that even though I come from a smaller Local, a smaller Local can
still play a big part,” Dudley confirms. “Whether it’s committees,
fundraisers, rallies, Trenton Day – every single one of us can play
a big role somewhere.”
And as Dudley’s selection as PBA Member of the Year also confirms, you have to want to be that member who wants to play that
big role. It might not be for everybody, but if the shoe fits…d
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ DECEMBER 2016
Joe and Christine Dudley.