As you read this magazine another summer is upon us here in New Jersey. During the summer many of us take time to vacation with family and friends and enjoy time away from our jobs and daily lives. This past spring was a busy time in New Jersey for law enforcement involved in the Special Olympics. In addition to the normal Summer Games that law enforcement plays a huge part in here in New Jersey, our state was host to the 2014 USA Special Olympics Games which brought athletes from all over the nation to our state to compete. Thanks to all of the New Jersey law enforcement officers that took time out of their busy schedules to volunteer to present medals and to keep these special athletes safe!
Although each year Chief Robert Belfiore and his State Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee do a fantastic job raising money through groups like the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, more help is needed. Each year less and less law enforcement officers volunteer their time at the Summer Games to encourage these athletes and present medals to winners of the various competitions. I cannot tell you in words how fulfilling this weekend is to anyone that attends. This coming winter the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey is going to conduct a campaign to help enlist the assistance of more law enforcement officers to make this important program better supported. I ask that you consider attending a future information night and learning more about these games and how your time can literally change lives.
This coming fall the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey has added two new events to its calendar. The Society will hold a Family Mass and Communion Brunch at Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City on October 5th. This event will bring us together with families to show our pride in law enforcement as well as our heritage while celebrating Mass in New Jersey’s first Italian parish. On November 13th the Society will host a Movie Night at Villa Rose Wine School and will show the movie Pay or Die staring Ernest Borgnine. This movie is about the life of NYPD Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino who died a hero in Sicily fighting the mafia. We will provide pizza for those attending and look forward to a good time. These two events are free of charge and are great opportunities for us to come together as members and enjoy camaraderie at no cost. I am proud to be able to provide these two events to all of you and look forward to seeing you attend.
I encourage you to attend a general membership dinner meeting or event to meet other members and supporters. As always I enjoy having members contact me to give me input on programs and events that you might like to see in the coming year. I am proud to serve as the President of the finest police officers in New Jersey.
Fraternally yours,
William Schievella
President