Public Safety: Honoring Ethical Guardians

On Saturday, May 7, 2016, I was honored to share opening remarks at the Essex County Police & Public Safety Expo. The annual event is a collaboration of the Essex County Crime Prevention Officers Association and the Essex County Association of Police Chiefs and held at the Livingston Mall, New Jersey.

During my remarks I commended the police, fire officials, and first responders for their dedication to protect and serve.

As noted in my many published works, as well as speaking engagements, these men and women are called to be the ethical guardians of society. The security of American communities is the result of their vigilance, and their service must be honored and supported by all law-abiding citizens.

The numerous participating agencies involved with this community event are all worthy of commendation. In particular, the leadership of the Livingston Police Department, under the command of Chief Craig Handschuch, and their tireless dedication to positive community policing initiatives deserves special recognition.

Also, the meticulous service of the New Jersey Department of Corrections Honor Guard, under the leadership of Sgt. George Goldner, gave dignity to the occasion. Their presence and solemn honoring of America's flag was an inspiration to all.

It has been my privilege to speak at these events since 2009, as noted below, and I commend the leadership of Officer Gary Mankowitz of the Livingston Police Department for his dedication to community policing and organizing this event.

Livingston Police Department Police and Public Safety Expo, May 15, 2009 Blog

On Saturday, May 9, 2009 a Police and Public Safety Expo was held at the Livingston Mall in New Jersey as coordinated by the Livingston Police Department.

The venue was a collaboration of federal, state, regional, county and local law enforcement agencies. It represented an outstanding community policing initiative allowing residents to interact with law enforcement and public safety officials.

After a welcome by Livingston Police Chief Craig Handschuch, Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow addressed the attendees reminding all of the privilege of serving and protecting the public. Prosecutor Dow also led a moment of silence to honor military in harms way, especially those who have been wounded or served with the ultimate sacrifice.

As an invited speaker, I shared remarks on the importance of a renewed dedication to courage, community and compassion in roles of public service.

Agencies involved with the expo included:

• Belleville Police Department
  
• New Jersey Department of Corrections
  
• Bloomfield Police Department
  
• Caldwell Police Department
  
• Cedar Grove Police Department
  
• East Orange Police Department
  
• Essex County Police Academy
  
• Essex County Prosecutor
  
• Essex County Sheriff’s Office
  
• Essex Fells Police Department
  
• Fairfield Police Department
  
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
  
• Glen Ridge Police Department
  
• Irvington Police Department
  
• Livingston Police Department
  
• Livingston Fire Department
  
• Maplewood Police Department
  
• Millburn Police Department
  
• Montclair Police Department
  
• Newark Police Department
  
• New Jersey State Police
  
• New Jersey Transit Police
  
• Orange Police Department
  
• Roseland Police Department
  
• South Orange Police Department
  
• Union County Prosecutor's Office
  
• U.S. Customs Service
  
• U.S. Marshalls Service
  
• Valor Security Services
  
• Verona Police Department
  
• West Caldwell Police Department
  
• West Orange Police Department

I would like to commend the Livingston Police Department for their leadership, participating agencies and sponsors for their generosity, and attendees for coming out to enjoy the event.

Photos 1. Vincent J. Bove with members of the New Jersey Department of Corrections Honor Guard. (Courtesy Vincent J. Bove Publishing)
2. Chief Craig Handschuch, Livingston Police Department. (Vincent J. Bove)