FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF THOMAS DELLANE STAFFORD TOWNSHIP PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2022
I recently had the honor to present the keynote speech at the graduation ceremonies for the 112 th Basic Recruit Class at the Ocean County Police Academy . As I was preparing my speech , I reflected on the reasons why I wanted to become a police officer .
I come from a family of police officers so that no doubt played a large part in my decision-making process . The altruistic side of me wanted to become a cop to help people ; to make society a better place ; to make a difference in someone ’ s life .
I advised the graduates that though they may have signed up to fight crime they no doubt would be called upon far more frequently to perform duties other than enforcing laws . They would be called upon to hold a pedestrian who was struck by a car as they take their last breath . They would be called to document the final moments of someone who has taken their life ; make notification to their next of kin and try to assist them in coming to terms with the senselessness of their loss . They will be first on-scene to begin CPR as family members plead with you to save the life of their loved one .
I advised the graduates that they will be frequently called upon to deal with events that far exceed what any human being should be forced to witness and that society demands that they react to all these events with dignity and professionalism no matter how poorly they are treated .
I cautioned the graduates not to attempt to shoulder the burdens they will encounter alone as isolation and alienation are not natural and can result in increased stress , substance use disorder , medical issues and even suicide . I encouraged them to seek out assistance if they experience difficulty coping with their thoughts and emotions and to embrace their agency ’ s resiliency program and to watch out for their fellow officers .
In this great country , we lose far more officers to suicide than we do to line of duty deaths . Those statistics do not even consider the number of officers whose careers are terminated due to alcohol and drug issues . Most of these senseless deaths and terminations were preceded by warning signs of some sort that were either ignored or not recognized for what they were .
I challenge all of you reading this message to watch out for your co-workers and get them help before it is too late . Live by the words of Karen Solomon , Co-Founder of Blue H . E . L . P “ Suicide should be pursued as relentlessly as any other cop killer , publicly and , with unabating courage . “
Stay safe out there and watch out for each other !
The NJSACOP sends its sincerest condolences to the family of :
Chief Eskil ' Skip ' Danielson Retired Life Member
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