The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 23, Number 6 | Page 4

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | June 2017
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF WILLIAM G. PARENTI
NORTH PLAINFIELD PD
Greetings. All.
Wow, where did the year go? As my term grows short, I can't help but reflect upon the great
moments over the past year. The people, community groups, and yes politicians, I have met
have been amazing. I am truly grateful for the honor bestowed in being President of our great association. As I
write this, I am on a plane headed to Rome to represent not only our association but all U.S. Chiefs of Police. This
is a rare opportunity (an international police-related event) that I am fortunate enough to have been chosen to
attend in Palermo, Italy. One of my last duties as NJSACOP President will most likely be one of the most
memorable.
Sometimes in life, the ball will take a funny bounce. When FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster called
me, I thought it would be just another routine call; an inquiry, informational type of thing. Certainly not "hey, how
are you? Would you like to go to Italy?" Of course, I was caught off guard and intrigued. He informed me of a
special event in Italy each year where the FBI joins the “Italian FBI” (Agenzia_Informazioni_e_Sicurezza Esterna),
Chiefs of Police (Capa Della Polizia), and other local police and criminal justice officials to commemorate the
anniversary of the assassination of Judge and Prosecuting Magistrate Giovanni Falcone.
Judge Falcone was responsible for spearheading and fighting the Sicilian mafia, not only in Italy, but also in the
United States. He identified ties in the American mafia in what became known as the "Pizza Connection.” The
mafia was setting up pizza parlors as fronts for dealing heroin and other illegal dealings. To make a long story
short, Judge Falcone's work led to 100 arrests in the United States with 99 convictions, and over 350 arrests in
Italy. In America the mafia executed all of the informants. In Italy, the mafia murdered all the judges and
prosecutors. Judge Falcone's death only strengthened law enforcement's energy to end the mafia’s strong
hold. To honor the Judge, several statues and memorials have been erected in Italy as well as in the U.S. There
is one at the FBI facility in Quantico, VA.
This year is the 25th anniversary of Judge Falcone's death, and therefore a special ceremony has been planned.
The attendees were to include FBI Director James Comey (President Trump changed that, but that is another
story) and former Director Louis Freeh, along with their Italian counterparts. They decided it would be nice to
have the first Police Chief from the United States to attend the monumental 25th year celebration. Well, yours
truly and our Executive Director Mitchell Sklar were chosen. Mitch and I hope to build relationships in Italy that
will be long lasting and meaningful. Unfortunately, this column is due before the event, so I will have to give the
final details at the June Chief's briefing.
My time in the chairs of the NJSACOP Board of Officers were the most interesting, rewarding, and fulfilling of my
career. It was a great ride and I plan to stay active in my final role as the immediate Past President and beyond. I
truly feel blessed in my time serving and will continue in whatever capacity the future Presidents ask of me.
To the association members, you will always have my unrelenting gratitude. Please feel free to contact me if I
may ever be of help.
In closing, I would encourage everyone to run for office. You just never know how that ball will take a funny
bounce. You may find yourself on another journey.
Thank you all for the honor.
Chief William Parenti
NJSACOP President
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