FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF THOMAS DELLANE STAFFORD TOWNSHIP PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | November 2022
November is a very busy month . It is packed with several dates of significance in our country . First , we have Election day , which is the day legally established to select public officials in the United States . General elections for federal offices — President , Vice President , and U . S . Congress — are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November . During this election cycle , around a fifth ( 21 %) of the candidates for U . S . Senate , U . S . House or governor had prior military experience .
Election day is followed shortly thereafter by Veterans Day . Veterans Day occurs on November 11 every year in the United States in honor of the “ eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month " of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I . Unlike Memorial Day , Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans — living or dead — but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime .
Finally , comes our annual celebration of Thanksgiving . Most Americans consider the holiday a day to gather and express their thanks through food , family , and football ( Go Giants !). The real purpose of Thanksgiving is to reflect on blessings and acknowledging gratitude .
In 1789 , George Washington wrote that Thanksgiving is a day to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many favors we have received in the preceding year , especially by affording citizens an opportunity to peaceably establish a form of government for their safety and happiness .
Many of us today view Thanksgiving as a time to reflect on everything that we ' re grateful for and to express gratitude to those who have made a difference in our lives .
The common thread in all of these significant dates is gratefulness , reflection , mutual respect and civility . I am of the opinion that all of these traits are sorely lacking in society today . As leaders in our communities , each of us has the distinct ability to impact people we come into contact with on a daily basis and to effectuate meaningful change in the way people interact and treat each other .
I ask that when you are out in public , keep in mind three principles . First , treat everyone you meet with kindness . Your sensitivity toward those you meet may brighten their day .
Second , take no one for granted . Be aware of the people around you and their rights . Don ' t simply ignore the waitress , the sales clerk , or the bus driver ; be sincerely grateful for all services and thank those who provide them .
Third , respect others . Be helpful to the elderly , the infirm , and the physically challenged and always remember that people may forget what you said . People may forget what you did . But people will never forget how you made them feel .
The NJSACOP sends its sincerest condolences to the families of :
Chief Jim DeVaul Active Member
Chief Carmen Messina Retired Life Member
Chief Robert Ryan , Sr . Retired Life Member
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