EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’ S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’ S REPORT
MITCHELL C. SKLAR
NJSACOP BOARD RECEIVES BRIEFINGS FROM FEDERAL PARTNERS
The NJSACOP Board of Officers spent the week of February 24-28, 2025 in Washington, D. C. to meet with leaders of multiple federal law enforcement agencies to discuss current issues impacting policing and police leadership, as well as to receive a variety of briefings on the new administration’ s priorities and operational goals.
Our week started with a meeting with the Acting Director of the US Marshal’ s Service as well as a briefing from the Deputy Commander of the New York / New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. This was followed by briefings at FBI Headquarters, US Customs & Border Protection, and Immigration & Customs Enforcement. The Board also met with a member of our Congressional delegation to seek assistance on a matter of interest to the Association.
The visit to the Capital also included a very special opportunity for our Board, as we participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Under the close direction of the U. S. Army’ s 3rd U. S. Infantry Regiment, known as“ The Old Guard,” NJSACOP President Chief John Russo, First Vice President Andrew Caggiano, Second Vice President Kevin Carey, and Third Vice President Jim Sacca quietly descended the stairs of the Memorial Amphitheater at the symbolic grave and offered the floral tribute, symbolizing the beauty and brevity of life.
The wreath included a white banner that read“ New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.” It was placed temporarily at the tomb, a white marble sarcophagus that has been a symbol of sacrifice and service at the cemetery since 1921. Following the ceremony, the entire NJSACOP Board was invited into the Old Guard quarters underneath the Memorial Amphitheater, where they met with Staff Sgt. William Matyas, the uniformed member of the Old Guard who led the wreath-laying event. The 35-year-old career soldier was eager to answer questions, pose for photos and explain the disciplined life of a Sentinel.
Sgt. Matyas explained how the Tomb Guards work on a three-relief rotation; each relief has one commander and about six Sentinels. The three reliefs are organized by height, so that those in each guard change ceremony look similar in appearance. The Sentinels wear the Army dress blue uniform, reminiscent of the color and style worn by soldiers during the late 1800s.
Every day, Tomb Guards march exactly 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turn, face east for 21 seconds, turn and face north for 21 seconds, then take 21 steps down the mat and repeat the process.( The number“ 21” symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the 21-gun salute.)
Next, the Sentinel executes a sharp“ shoulder-arms” movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the tomb and any possible threat. The Sentinels stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U. S. Infantry Regiment, the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving the United States since 1784.
It goes without saying that the opportunity to participate in the Ceremony was a moving and impactful experience. Additionally, interacting with national law enforcement leaders is a great opportunity for our Board to keep on top of critical and emerging issues and to
ensure the voice of New Jersey’ s police leaders are heard at the highest level.
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2025
12