NJ Cops Aug18 | Page 54

GETTING PIGGY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53
help of the event ’ s largest sponsor , Mets Schiro & McGovern LLP , the Pat Colligan Pension Pig Roast raised $ 25,000 for the cause in its first two years .
“ To me , the best part is that everybody who comes has a good time ,” noted Tardio , who credits former Local 50 State Delegate Pam Ricciardi for coming up with the idea to put a creative flair on the name of the event .
But the Pension Pig Roast is much more than just an opportunity to make Christie the butt of his own joke . PBA members returned to the Oak Tree Lodge in Wall knowing that there was a little something for everyone to enjoy , including live music , mini golf and a pool .
“ This is good for the families of law enforcement to relax and hang out together ,” stated Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden , who sponsored the ice cream truck that made the Pension Pig Roast unforgettable for many kids . “ I have over 100 officers and 300 corrections officers . I know how hard these guys work .”
Many of the members , like Englewood Local 216 State Delegate Carlos Calderin , attended the first Pension Pig Roast and return every summer to support the fundraiser and spend a day with the family that never disappoints .
“ There ’ s everything for the kids you could imagine ,” noted Calderin , who added that his three sons anticipate the return of the event each year . “ Pat ( Colligan ) has been a great president . Any fundraiser that has anything to do with him , we ’ re right there supporting 110 percent .”
Though the name definitely gets some attention and amusement , the meaning behind the Pension Pig Roast runs deeper . For the Monmouth County Conference , it ’ s about showing the support that PBA members provide one another and how strong they are when they stand united .
“ It ’ s the understanding of how important it is for us to stick together ,” explained Englewood Local 216 President Joe Hammond . “ It ’ s the camaraderie . We stay together and have a strong bond .” d
Englewood Local 216 State Delegate Carlos Calderin ( left ) and President Joe Hammond enjoyed a fun game of horseshoes .
Members from Monmouth County Sheriffs Local 314 , with Sheriff Shaun Golden ( center , purple shirt ), enjoyed some lighthearted fun at the Pension Pig Roast .
54 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ AUGUST 2018