A Message from PBA President Anthony Ferraioli

Dear Local 9 Sisters and Brothers:

I want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for your support in our recent Union election. It is truly a privilege to serve the women and men of the Hackensack Police Department. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously. As President, rest assured that I will fully support all Local 9 members, representing your needs and addressing issues and problems in a timely manner. If I don’t have a remedy or answer, I will track the information you need. All members will have my contact information for 24-hour accessibility.

All of us take extraordinary pride in wearing this uniform. The citizenry of Hackensack depends on us to carry out the oath that we took to serve and protect. It is our responsibility and obligation as a PBA to take this oath to a higher level. With that, I want to share with you the direction I envision our Union taking in the future. 

Foremost, the recent election process provides a unique opportunity to restore morale to the job for which all of us have tremendous passion. With that objective in mind, we will now have open and honest dialogue and communication within our Union. We will acknowledge the line-of-duty achievements of members, and we will create reciprocal support programs between the PBA and residents and the business community. Our success in meeting these and other objectives and challenges will require the support, involvement and participation of all members.

Communication will be greatly enhanced now that I have initiated a Local 9 Web Site, a first in our Union’s history. Still a work in progress, our Web Site is a vehicle for important and timely information and will feature PBA members, citizens, business owners and PBA community support initiatives. I also encourage everyone to attend membership meetings, where you can freely discuss problems and concerns, receive important updates and, most importantly, build camaraderie and solidarity.

I am reviving former existing programs and creating new initiatives, including PBA “Cop of the Month” and other meritorious award programs that will acknowledge and showcase the professional achievements and service of members. I also plan to nominate PBA members for consideration of awards from local, state and federal law enforcement associations and organizations. Our members deserve recognition beyond our local community for their high standard of police work.

To restore the camaraderie and solidarity that once ran strong through our Union, we will periodically sponsor fund raising and social events. In addition, we will establish a greater presence in the community we serve and protect, becoming active philanthropically and by sponsoring community events – such as holiday toy and food drives, and outings in the park – that will not only bring us together as a Union, but develop a reciprocal relationship with residents, business and retail store owners, civic organizations, and religious and other not-for-profit institutions.

In closing, let me be clear that to be successful in these endeavors, this will require a team effort. Your participation in meetings and activities is important, and your ideas about improving this Local will always be welcomed. I am confident that you share in my enthusiasm to restore our stature as being among the most dedicated and professional law enforcement officers not only in Bergen County but also in the entire State. I truly look forward to working with you in the weeks and months ahead.