FROM THE NJSACOP ARCHIVES … APRIL
April 2026 | The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine 6
FROM THE NJSACOP ARCHIVES … APRIL
1912
At the April 1, 1912, monthly meeting of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Chief McClelland introduced a Resolution, which was duly seconded,“ that section 1, article 2 of the By-laws be changed to read that the regular meeting of the association be held on the 1 st Thursday of each month.” The Resolution carried.
Chief William Walling Chief Michael O’ Connell Chief Frank Monahan Chief William O’ Neill
1915 The NJSACOP Monthly State Chiefs Meeting for April 1915 was held in Newark, NJ. Following the routine order of business, including approval of the minutes of the previous month’ s meeting and the Treasurer’ s Report, Chief Monahan reported for the Executive Board“ that one bill had passed both houses, and was in a fair way to become law.” He then handed a copy of the bill to the Secretary with instructions to read the text to the membership:
“ AN ACT RELATING TO THE TENURE OF OFFICE OF CHIEF OF POLICE AND OF POLICEMEN IN ANY MUNICIPALITY IN THIS STATE GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OR IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION”
The Secretary then went on to read the entire text of the bill to the membership. Thereafter all unfinished business was“ laid over to the next meeting” so that the election of officers for the Association could take place. Chief Tolen presented Chief Keily for President and moved that the election be made by acclimation.“ This being done, President Keily, was escorted to the Chair, by former President Monahan. He thanked the Association for the confidence, they had placed in him, and said he would do all in his power, for the good and welfare of the Association.” Chief Michael O’ Connell of New Brunswick was elected Treasurer, and Chief William O’ Neill of East Orange was elected Secretary. The office of Vice President was left open until the following meeting.
Chief Patrick Kiely
1926 In an article run in the April 3rd edition of the Asbury Park Press, it was reported that the membership of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police had re-elected Long Branch Chief William Walling as association President. The action was taken“ as a mark of respect” for the Chief, who was“ critically ill at his home.” Maplewood Police Chief Jacob Helf, the association’ s Recording Secretary, telephoned the Walling home“ the hope that the news might cheer up the ill man.” The article continued:
Knowing that his end is only a matter of days, possibly hours, Chief Walling sent a letter to the association in which he stated that he would be able to last but a short time.
“ There is no possible cure for my complaint,” he wrote in substance,“ but I send you men all my love and ask a last favor. I’ ve loved the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. I’ ve served you as president. I’ d like to die in harness – still president of our association.”