The NJ FOP News for 2012
The State Lodge's quarterly magazine schedule for 2012 has been published. Be sure to get your local lodge events and stories to the office early.
Updated 2/2/12
President Brannigan Responds to Attack By Camden County Freeholder Louis Cappelli
Following an unprovoked attack, President Brannigan addressed the media in support of Camden Lodge 1 President John Williamson. President Brannigan has stated that President Williamson has acted diligently and with integrity in defense of the members of the Camden Police Department. He refuted statements made by Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. that claimed President Williamson and other civic leaders were working with "criminals". He said that the best interests of the citizens were paramount and that the elected politicians were ignoring the will of the people.
To view the full press release... Click Here
Updated 1/24/12
The NJ FOP News for 2012
The State Lodge's quarterly magazine schedule for 2012 has been published. Be sure to get your local lodge events and stories to the office early.
Updated 1/10/12
The Civil Service Commission has Updated Police Promotional Testing on its Website
The New Jersey Civil Service Commision notified the State Lodge of the anticipated resolution of a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice against the state and its police promotional exam. A notice will be emailed to local lodges of the terms of consent decree as well as instructions on filing objections to the decree at a open fairness hearing. The notice further advises that the dates for promotional testing have been postponed indefinately.
Additional information can be found on the Civil Service Commissions website.
For a link to the CSC website... Click Here
Updated 1/10/12
Protecting the Rights of Our Members
Last night's action by the legislature in passing Assembly Bill A-3876 and sending it to the governor for his signature was the Culmination of the effort of the F.O.P. to protect the
rights of our members who have been laid off due to the economy. If signed into law, our brothers and sisters
who have been out of work for an extended period of time will have their Police
Training Commission Certification extended from the previous 3 years to 5
years. This was accomplished through the
efforts of your State Lodge staff and our professional lobbyist.
Updated 12/31/11
Plan to Attend the Benefit in Mt. Arlington
Mt. Arlington Lodge 78 is hosting a benefit for the wife of Patrolman Joseph Wargo who died in the line of duty earlier this year. Please support the event in any way you can. For an event flyer... Click Here
Updated 12/30/11
Camden City Council Moves Forward with
Plans to Abolish Police Department
The State Lodge, members of Camden Lodge 1 and members of the community were ignored by city council and moved forward with its plans to contract police services from an as yet created county police department. To view the Philadelphia Inquirer news article... Click Here
Updated 12/30/11
Call for Action
The State Lodge has sent this email to local lodges urging them to have their members contact Senator Sarlo regarding Senate Bill S-2220. The governor and his supporters are again trying to take away your rights and benefits. To view the email... Click here
Updated 8/31/11
Public Sector Unions file Lawsuit
In an unprecedented action, the leaders of all the major
public sector unions in the State of
Have a Happy and Safe Labor Day Weekend.
Click here
Updated 8/22/11
Public Safety Summit
The Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations is hosting a two day
"Summit on Public Safety and the Fiscal Crisis"
on September 19, 20, 2011 in New Brunswick NJ.
Click here for the link for additional information.
Updated 7/22/11
Job Opportunities
The "Members Only" section of NJ FOP.ORG has been updated with additional jobs postings from thoughout the country. The FOP, with its immense network of contacts continues to assist worthy brothers and sisters who have been displaced due to the economy.
Updated 7/15/11
The FOP is Proud to Congratulate
Captain Rosanne Manghisi NJSP Ret.
Capt. Manghisi has assumed the postion of Executive Director of the The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives. She is a long time friend of the New Jersey State Lodge and she has announced that her organization is hosting its conference in Milwaukee WI in August 2011. To view the NAWLEE website...Click Here
Updated 6/30/11
Safety Alert
The benefits of national membership allow our members to be alerted to threats of violence to law enforcement. Contact the State Office for the "Law Enforcement" Sensative Safety Alert to be emailed to you. Stay Safe.
Updated 6/13/11
Stand Up for Labor
The public sector labor unions of New Jersey are joining forces on Thursday, June 16, 2011 in Trenton to demonstrate against the continued attack by the governor and legislature on our pensions and health care. Join us at the Statehouse at 10 AM and let your voices be heard. The F.O.P. also needs you to call your legislators at 1-888-875-6558. .
President Brannigan's "Action Alert"
Updated 6/9/11
More Lies and Half Truths Revealed
The Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit Washington D.C. think tank, was created in 1986 to broaden the
discussion about economic policy to include the interests of low- and
middle-income workers. Today, with global competition expanding, wage inequality
rising, and the methods and nature of work changing in fundamental ways, it is
as crucial as ever that people who work for a living have a voice in the
economic discourse. The report, with a link below highlights the false and misleading position taken by the governor in demanding that New Jersey employees pay 30% of the cost of their health care coverage.
Report: "Cockeyed Comparisons"
Updated 6/8/11
Representing Members in Trenton
New Jersey State Lodge Lobbyist Peter Guzzo and Legislative Committee Chairman Steven Demofonte met with Assembly and Senate majority leaders following the introduction of plans to push health care and pension changes to members of their caucuses. The jury is still out. The report compiled by Mr. Guzzo and Brother Demofonte is linked below.
Legislative Report for June 8, 2011
Updated 6/8/11
A "Thank You" from Our Brothers and Sisters in Missouri
The New Jersey State Lodge reached out to our brothers and sisters in Missouri and provided needed cash to help rebuild their shattered homes and lives.
Letter from Missouri State Lodge President
Updated 5/5/11
FOP beat the PBA by a 2-1 Margin
The dedicated rank and file members of the East Orange Police Department have voted yet again to have their Fraternal Order of Police Lodge remain the authorized bargaining agent for their contract negotiations and labor representation. Congratulations are offered to the men and women of the police department for their foresight, and to Lodge 111 President Tanya Pulyado and her executive board for their service and dedication to their members.
Updated 4/25/11
Conference Notice
Local Lodge Delegates who intend to travel to Salt Lake City for the National Biennial Conference need to make make their room reservations as soon as possible, as space is limited. After the allotment of rooms is full at the host hotel, delegates will be required to make their own arrangements for their stay and transportation.
Updated 4/24/11
Training Opportunity
NEW JERSEY WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
ANNUAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING CONFERENCE
May 25, 2011
Download Registration Form
Updated 2/28/11
Responsibilities of Membership
In the upcoming issue of the FOP News there appears an article that asks every members to send a completed form letter to the members of the New Jersey Legislature in the district where they vote. Our members have been catagorized by politicians as being part of a "Special Interest Group" because they only hear from your State Lodge Officers in Trenton. It is vital that all our members voices be heard so that the message is clear and simple.
Link to Letter
Link to NJ Legislators
Updated 2/17/11
NEW YORK TIMES - Wisconsin to Vote on Eliminating Collective Barganing Read More
Updated 2/4/11
Link to Video on the "Big Picture" behind the Attacks on Our Pensions and Benefits
Updated 2/2/11
Media Headlines
The Asbury Park Press "Lawmaker: More cops, not more laws, needed to fight gangs... Read More
Updated 2/2/11
The Message is Being Heard
N.J. FOP attacks regionalization plans as officials from Camden County towns meet
By James Osborne Inquirer Staff Writer
A state police union leader on Tuesday attacked proposals being made around New Jersey to regionalize police and fire services, as Camden County officials worked to sell local leaders on a countywide force. Mayors and police and fire chiefs from almost every municipality in the county gathered Tuesday morning for a meeting in which county officials described their proposal as a work in progress, with details to be worked out in the months ahead. In an interview later in the day, Steve Demofonte, legislative chair of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, said "there's no cooperative effort being proposed." ... Read More
Updated 2/1/11
F.O.P. Labor Council Director Selected to State Arbitration Task Force
Ron Bakley was selected by State Senate President Stephen Sweeney to review arbitration awards and collective bargaining agreements for public safety unions in New Jersey. This prestigous selection further demonstrates the active participation in all matters related to law enforcement in the state.
Click here for the Media Annoucement
Updated 1/31/11
Labor Council Announcement
Updated 1/27/11
New and Updated Employment Opportunities
The F.O.P. continues to reach out to cities all across America who are looking for qualified and trained police officers. Through the nationwide connections found only in the F.O.P. we have added more information to our "Members Only" section. We remain committed to assisting our members finding employment in these difficult economic times.
Updated 1/27/11
Civil Service Announcement
The 2010/2011 Police Sergeant testing process has been modified to include both a written (multiple-choice) component, as well as a video-based, essay component. Much time and research has already been devoted to the development of this new testing format. However, the CSC is currently experiencing unforeseen delays associated with certain aspects of the new testing process. For these reasons, the anticipated test date must be postponed from January to early April, 2011. Updated information regarding the new testing process is now available in the 2010 Police Sergeant Orientation Guide which may be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/csc/jobs/guides.htm. Eligible lists which are set to expire in February, 2011, and have not reached their four-year statutory limit, will be extended until new lists are available
Law Enforcement Report
Updated 1/19/11
The State F.O.P. is Nationally Recognized as the Leader in New Jersey
The Bureau of National Affairs Inc. in its most recent "Government Employee Relations Report:" reached out to President Brannigan for his insight on a number of topics of concern to law enforcement. An article on the governor's pension reform proposals can also be found in the report. A copy of the report can be viewed using the link below.
Government Employee Relations Report
Updated 1/12/11
Police Pensions and Benefits
The governor, in his State of the State Address yesterday announced what the New Jersey F.O.P. has been expecting from him for some time. He will be coming after each of our Pensions and Benefits in the coming year, regardless of whether you are an active employee or a retiree. In his speech he employed the same sort of rhetoric that has polarized the residents of our state. He blamed the high taxes and loss of wealth found within the state on the hard working, honest public servants of New Jersey. "Benefits are too rich, and contributions are too
small" are how our pensions were described to the residents of our state by Governor Christie. The governor proposed the following: Raising the Eligibility Age for Retirement, Curb Cost of Living Adjustments for Retirees, and Raising Contributions for Employees. He said that then, he would make statutorily required payments to the pension fund. The state's contribution stands in arrears more than $3,500,000,000.00. The New Jersey State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police has asserted from the beginning that the deliberate and intentional failure to make contributions required by law, constituted a willful act of misconduct and since 2004, it has had a lawsuit against the State, its legislature and its State Treasurer for failing to make its payments. The F.O.P. put its money where its mouth was. When other so-called "police organizations" were making back door deals that marginalized our position and your pension fund's future, the F.O.P. was fighting for your rights. Those deals failed and left the pension systems in even worse shape. The time for action is now. Call your legislators and let them know how you feel about the state cutting your benefits and pensions.
Link to Read the 2011 State of the State Address
Updated 1/11/11
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Video
New Jersey's Law Enforcement community faces tremendous stress daily. Our members are tasked with responsibilities found in no other profession. In support of our members, the New Jersey State Lodge partnered with professionals from many disciplines and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office to develop a video to raise awareness of the unfortunate toll job stress places on our members. This video will be presented in training to police across the state to demonstrate to them that they are not alone, that help is available and that we are united as a profession to conqure the causes of police suicide.
Link to Video
Updated 1/11/11
Law Enforcement Professionals Go "Wild"
We are pleased to announce that the eighth annual (WILD) Women In Leadership Development Conference will be held at the newly organized Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, March 4-5, 2011. This program of instruction concentrates on improving the labor/management and leadership skills of women in the professional and political arenas.
Downloadable Form
Updated 12/4/10
Job Opportunities
The unthinkable is happening all across our state. Police Officers are being laid off and public safety is being put at risk all for the sake of political ease. Already stressed police departments, many down as much as 40% are now planning to lay off more police. Decent and hard working police offiicers are being kicked to the curb so that politicians can continue their pork barrel spending and manipulative fiscal practices. The F.O.P. will not standby and let this happen. Using our nationwide contact system of several thousand state and local lodges, the New Jersey State Lodge will work diligently to assist our members to find gainful employment. The State Lodge has instituted a new section in its "Members Only" section to help members find work. In "Job Opportunities", the full resourses of our organization will list law enforcement agencies from all around the country that are hiring. Also, the listings will also contain information on private sector jobs, available only to our members. To our members who have been laid off, Your brothers and sisters are committed to seeing you returned to your rightful place in our ranks. Good luck to you and we will not rest.
Updated 11/17/2010
Status Report on Governor's "Tool Kit" Bills
Our members have asked for information on the so called "tool kit" bills. Our professional political lobbyist, Dr. Peter Guzzo compiled a list of the bills and put them into a format that our members can review and make informed, intelligent decisions about their future. The link to the document is below. It is our goal to provide our members with the most up to date information possible.
Get the "Tool Kit" Bill Status Report
Updated 9/30/10
College Offers a Program in Homeland Security
Beginning on October 16, 2010 Hudson CountyCommunity College will begin offering a Certificate Program in the broad strategies used to prevent terrorist attacks in the United States.
Click for more info
Updated 9/28/10
The F.O.P. - Protecting Jobs, Saving Taxpayer Dollars
Every cop knows the value of training. Thanks to the hard work of the State Lodge and our local lodge leaders, taxpayer dollars will not have been wasted in the layoff of dozens of cops. Your F.O.P. has been working with legislators to protect the public investment in hundreds of cops statewide to not only protect their jobs, but to ensure that tax dollars are not wasted. Through legislation, we have started the process of ensuring the re-hiring of officers who were laid off during their working test periods. These officers had passed a mandated background investigation, which usually involves hundreds of hours of intense review by experienced law enforcement professionals. These officers completed an equally intensive and thoroughly comprehensive police academy training program. In addition, many officers were in their field training programs, but had not yet received permanent appointment, thus given no rehire privileges under the law. The cost of that investment in hiring and training professional police officers would have been a waste if not for the continued efforts of the F.O.P. We have partnered with legislators, State Senator Ron Rice and Assemblyman Albert Coutinho on an F.O.P. Initiative that would protect those jobs and many more like them.
Call your legislators and ask that they support A-3232/S-2274.
Link to View Bills
Update 9/14/10
Governor Christie's Plan to ReWrite Police Pensions
Today, in a staged event, Governor Christie dropped the hammer on thousands of current public employees. The speech witnessed by our members in Gloucester Township as well as by National Trustee Ron Bakely, turns back the clock nearly 30 years. The governor's proposal puts a PFRS "Special Retirement" pension for 25 years service at 60% of an average of the highest three years of compensation with increases of 1% for each year of service to 65%.
New Jersey law enforcement officers already pay 8.5% of their base salary toward their pensions, one of he highest percentages in the nation. Governor Christie proposed raising that amount to 10%. In addition, health care premium sharing would be changed to 30% of the total cost, as opposed to the current 1.5% of base salary.
Legislation to make the changes proposed by the governor have not yet been introduced, but if or when they are, we will aggressively address our members concerns. Rest assured, the State Lodge will be working with members of the state legislature to protect the rights of our members, now and in the future. We will inform you on future events. The best way to keep up to date on what's going on is to sign up for "Email Blasts". Members wishing to receive Email Blasts from President Brannigan should Email their requests to the New Jersey State Lodge Office at njfop@fop.net . Please include in your email your name and membership number.
Updated 9/12/10
Call for Action on Senate Bill S-2220
Members are asked to call the office of New Jersey State Senator Paul Sarlo to voice their opposition to S-2220. The bill would change existing laws to impair collective bargaining, limit the use of medical leave and cap separation benefits at retirement. The bill is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, September 13, 2010 in Trenton.
Call Senator Sarlo at 201-804-8118
Get the Blast
Members wishing to receive Email Blasts from President Brannigan should Email their requests to the New Jersey State Lodge Office at njfop@fop.net
Updated 8/6/10
"Shared Sacrafice"
In his interview with ABC News, Governor Christie reported that he would be going after the pensions of current employees this fall. Other news outlets have reported that he will be going after current retiree benefits as well.
View ABC News interview with Governor Christie
Updated 7/26/10
The Brothers and Sisters of the Fraternal Order of Police
Welcome our Newest Members
Colts Neck Lodge 215
Update 7/19/10
Getting it Done
Today's issue of the Trenton Times included an article about police and firefighter arbitration. State Senate President Sweeney was quoted as saying, "police and firefighters who are barred by law from striking need an arbitration
process that allows them to negotiate a contract in good faith. He also said
civil service rules were put in place because of concerns over cronyism and
corruption: any attempts to reform civil service protections must be
completed with the original mission in mind."
Updated 7/14/10
President Brannigan Stands Up for Police in Email Blast
The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police respectfully but vigorously disagrees
with Senate President Steve Sweeney's recent remarks that laying off police
officers does not constitute a "state of emergency" under the recently enacted
2% statutory cap on municipal spending...
Click here for the full message
Updated 7/13/10
Help a Brother in Need
One of our brothers in blue needs our help. Tpr. J. Sorrentino #6613 was recently informed his ten month old daughter Lia Clare has been diagnosed with an inherited metabolic disorder called Hurlers Disease. Treatment for this includes multiple surgeries including a bone marrow transplant using umbilical cord stem cells. She will then go through an extensive chemotherapy program. Lia is being treated by the best team at Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, NC. Please come out and show support for this wonderful family on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 for the benefit at PARK EAST 3352 Rt. 35, Hazlet NJ from 6-10 PM.
Click here for a Printable Flyer
Updated 7/7/10
Has Your Lodge Sponsored the George Bowman Survivors Golf Tournament?
Members are encouraged to contact their local lodge leaders to have them support your survivor's golf tournament. Remember all money raised goes to support the fund that pays the survivors of officers who die in the line of duty.
Click here for the Registration Form
Updated 6/27/10
And the Beat Goes On...
Continuing a trend that started several years ago, law enforcement officers from across the state are calling the F.O.P. office in Trenton. The say that they have had enough with their representation. The latest example are the members from Bloomfield Township who have chartered our newest lodge. Welcome Brothers and Sisters of Bloomfield Lodge 214
Updated 6/5/10
2010 Scholarship Winners
The Scholarship Committee of the New Jersey State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police has announced the winners for 2010. Congratualtions to our winners, Amanda Branda, Charles Sahanas, Arthur Teeter, and Alexa V
arga. This years competition for scholarships was again very competative and although awards cound not be given to all applicants, each applicant was a winner in the eyes of the committee. Congratulations to all the graduates and best wishes in all your future endeavors.
Scholarship Announcement Page
Updated 6/2/10
Civil Service Commission Issues Statement on Sergeant's Promotional Exam
The 2010 Promotional Announcements for Police Sergeant, which were scheduled to
be issued July 1, 2010, have been postponed until September 1, 2010.
The results from the last testing cycle for the Police Sergeant Exam were released and can be found on the CSC Website.
Click here for the CSC Report
Updated 5/20/10
Green Brook Lodge 23 Reaches Out to the Community
Members of Green Brook Lodge 23 are seeking the support of their residents to protect two officers who are slated for layoffs. Essential functions within the police department are being put at risk by the by the loss of these officers in a department where its members have been without a contract for several months
Click here for the release to the community
Updated 5/17/10
President Brannigan Speaks Up for Law Enforcement
New Jersey State Lodge President Edward Brannigan told radio listeners that the concerns of law enforcement professionals are being ignored by the propaganda and rhetoric coming from the very politicians who created the property tax problems that afflict our state. He said that the hard working employees of state, county, and municipal law enforcement are no more to blame for the budgets and tax plans prepared by elected officials than they are for "Making the sun rise every day".
Click here to listen to an excerpt of the radio show
Link to NJ 101.5 Website with Audio Link
Updated 4/19/10
Congratulations to Evesham Lodge 143 Vice President David Petersen
After a nearly 2 year ordeal, Vice President Petersen is returning to active duty following disciplanary hearings and a wrongful termination. State Lodge President Edward Brannigan and local lodge President Brian Libetti wish to thank all our brothers and sisters who supported Brother Petersen.
Updated 3/24/10
Civil Service Issues an Update on Promotional Lawsuit
Contrary to rumor, no format for a new promotional exam for Police Sergeants has been decided and the Civil Service Commision is still negotiating with the US Department of Justice to address their concerns.
Click here for the Update
Updated 3/22/10
Summary of Legislative Action
The New Jersey State Lodge Legislative Commitee report on recent legislation attacking Collective Bargaining.
Click here for the Report
Updated 3/9/10
The F.O.P. Acts in Response to Legislation
The assault on collective bargaining and pensions is being answered by your State Lodge leadership. President Edward Brannigan has stated "First and foremost, our organization is devoted to preserving the hard earned benefits of all law enforcement officers, in our great state." State Lodge Legislative Committee Chairman Steven Demofonte testified before the General Assembly Budget Committee on March 4, 2010, detailing the impact of proposed legislation on law enforcement. Your State Lodge staff has created a sample letter to the members of the General Assembly and members are being asked send it to their representatives.
Sample Letter to the General Assembly
Updated 2/23/10
Senate Passes Bills on Pension, Health Care and Retiree Benefits
As reported last week in Update 2/18/10, these bills have a drastic impact on current employees. The State Senate voted 36-0 to pass these bills yesterday. There were 4 abstentions. The State Lodge is working diligently to protect your hard earned benefits. President Brannigan and State Lodge Legislative Committee Chairman Steven Demofonte have met with legislative leaders and offered suggestions to save our members benefits while at the same time providing reforms to save taxpayer money. The State Senate ignored these suggestions. The State Senate chose not to accept the resposibility of government and instead placed the blame on the hard working employees. Our members have paid 8.5% of their base pay to their pensions all these years, honorably bargained for health benefits, and in many of these cases contribute towards their costs. The State Senate has mandated that decades of collective bargaining be tossed aside. For the State Senate to do this after the state has not make any of its required payments for 11 of the last 15 years is outrageous!
Your legislators in the State Assembly need to hear from our members immediately to stop this attack on your rights.
Senate Bill S-3, as Ammended and Approved by the Senate
Updated 1/19/10
Governor Corzine Signs Law Protecting Camden Contract Negotiations
When the "Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act" was being considered for the City of Camden by legislators, they wanted to ensure that the public safety contracts were protected. However when the bill was introduced, loopholes were found by the State Lodge Legislative Committee that would impact negotiations of a new contract for Camden Lodge 1. Local Lodge President John Williamson, working with the committee and State Lodge Lobbyist Dr. Peter Guzzo worked out new language for the bill to protect the officers of the Camden Police Department. This new language was met with strong support from the State Senate, State Assembly and Governor Corzine.
Updated 1/19/10
Governor Corzine Signs Bill Giving Investigators of the Division of Criminal Justice
"The Right to Negotiate"
"Decades in the Making", was the reaction by DCJ Lodge 91 members who never gave up their fight for the right of collectively bargain. Last night, Governor Corzine gave the hard working members of the Division of Criminal Justice the same basic fundamental fairness earned by their peers within the law enforcement profession. In signing S-3071/A-4261 the Governor fulfilled his commitment to our members and recognized the effort of the Fraternal Order of Police in bringing about this long overdue law.
Updated 10/29/09
The F.O.P. Succeeds Again in Fighting the "Normal Age of Retirement" IRS Rule
The efforts of the National Legislative Office have paid off again in putting off until January 2013 this controversial rule. The F.O.P. has been in this fight from the day the proposed rule change was announced.
We will continue to fight until the rule change is defeated.
Click for the Revised Rule Sheet
Updated 10/26/09
Lawrence Township F.O.P. Lodge 209 Defeats the PBA in their PERC Election
Following the motto "Have You Had Enough Yet?" the members of the Lawrence Township Police Department chose the F.O.P to represent their interests after the results of PERC elections for both Rank and File members and Superior Officers. Our congratulations to the leaders and members of this lodge.
Updated 2/26/2009
Special Social Security Information for our Military Veterans
Military Veterans should check that they have received Social Security Credit for the time that they served in the Armed Forces.