A look behind the Mini Convention curtain
n BY AMBER RAMUNDO
As long as NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan can remember , the mission of the PBA Mini Convention has stuck to the same central agenda for law enforcement .
“ It ’ s about pension , pay , benefits and officer safety — everything the union stands for ,” stated Colligan . “ It ’ s a chance for all members to get a little taste of everything .”
From March 5-9 , PBA members from across the state will gather once again to take a seat at the Mini Convention ’ s table for a full-course schedule of dynamic presentations . The week-long symposium includes some of New Jersey ’ s top political figures , inspirational leaders and great storytellers , all of whom stand with and for law enforcement .
Included in that group will be newly elected Governor Phil Murphy , who takes the podium on March 7 as a strong indicator of the relationship that the PBA has built with state government . New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and U . S . Attorney Craig Carpenito will also address the PBA on how the new administration can work with law enforcement to meet their needs .
In addition , PBA members will hear a presentation led by Dianne Grossman about the Mallory ’ s Army Foundation to further discuss the impact of cyberbullying , the toxic psychological abuse that led her 12-year-old daughter to take her own life .
Acclaimed CBS News producer Megan Towey also will take center stage at the Mini Convention to discuss her reporting on carbon monoxide exposure in Ford Explorers , vehicles that many police departments use for patrol and other functions .
And of course , it wouldn ’ t be the Mini Convention without Steve Kalafer , the owner of Flemington Car and Truck Country . Kalafer is best known for giving back to law enforcement through countless donations made to the NJSPBA Survivor and Welfare Fund and a history of doubling the 50-50 jackpot at the convention .
Needless to say , this year ’ s Mini Convention offers an assortment of topics , information and even sports . Members
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March 5-9 NJ State PBA Mini Convention
Bally ’ s 1900 Boardwalk , Atlantic City For information , contact the NJ State PBA at 732-636-8860
won ’ t want to miss out on the exhilarating agenda or the NJSPBA hockey game scheduled for 2:30 p . m . on March 7 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Atlantic City .
“ Even if you ’ re not interested in hockey , support the team by coming out and seeing how they really play , while raising some money for a good cause ,” Colligan stressed . d
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