2021 President’s Ball The Honor Legion of the Police Departments of the State of New Jersey Since 1966 2021 President’s Ball VIP 2021 President’s Ball 1 Welcome to the Honor Legion of the Police Departments of the State of New Jersey 2021 2021 President's Ball MICHAEL CEBULSKI! at The Estate at Florentine Gardens (River Vale, NJ) Thursday, May 6, 2021 Confirmation of the NJHL Executive Board 2020 NJHL Police Officer of the Year Detective Richard Hershey New Jersey State Police Entertainment by: Signature Events by Magic Moments Almost 20 years ago this country suffered the tragic loss of thousands of lives by the horrific and cowardly acts of terrorism. As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the New Jersey Honor Legion is dedicating the 2021 NJHL President's Ball Souvenir Journal in memory of the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. WE SHALL NEVER FORGET. 2 2021 President’s Ball 2021 President’s Ball 1 NJHL has our families' backs. Your help and support of our community are immeasurable both when we are on duty and when we have our final call for service. I am proud to be the 35th President of the NJHL. Our organization has been in place since 1966. Our mission is to recognize the "Finest of the Finest" in New Jersey law enforcement. We have over 6000 members who demonstrated valor in their duties as police officers. Moreover, we are a charitable organization. We hold various events to support organiza- President’s Message tions such as the Tomorrow's Children's Fund, The Policy Unity Tour, Youth Scholarships, May 6, 2021 and other calls for need in our local communities, as well as the death benefit assistance for our members. Here we are, the 2021 NJ Honor Legion President's Ball. As of this writing, I'm still hoping our event goes off without a hitch. That we What I am most excited about for my tenure as President of the New Jersey Honor Legion are finally, surrounded by each other, in one of the first grand social is raising community awareness of the countless acts of bravery and kindness performed gatherings in more than a year. What a year it has been! by our law enforcement officers throughout the state. I look forward to fostering positive relationships with other Police Organizations in our area and with New Jersey citizens. We Pandemic is now a word that everyone knows and uses frequently, will herald the good that police work does every day. and masks are a necessary component of our wardrobes, (but hope- fully not for much longer). We appreciate being able to be together Tonight, let us enjoy ourselves. Eat, drink and most of all have fun. It’s been a while and more than ever. It is a privilege to be here, amongst our brothers now it is time to exhale. Dance like no one is watching, and be proud that you are part of and sisters, family, friends and supporters. At this moment in time, the greater good. Thank you for your support and commitment to the New Jersey Honor there is little that we take for granted. We have survived the most Legion and our families. Mere words do not convey our gratitude for your generosity. God uncertain year in modern times. Bless you today and always. Tonight, I think of those who did not make it past this terrible Best Regards & Stay Safe, disease, most especially those who worked on the front lines of the pandemic, our medical workers, essential workers, and police offi- Michael Cebulski, cers. I honor their sacrifice and hold their families in my heart. NJHL President I ask that you keep their memory alive by paying it forward, sup- Paramus Police Department porting those who need support in your family and your commu- nity. This pandemic has taught us that we can always do better and give more. I thank you for attending tonight. Your presence at this gala means that you support our Widows and Orphans fund, a cause near and dear to our hearts. We take this job knowing that going home after our shifts is never guaranteed. The last thing we want is to leave our families behind. This fund helps us to know that in our absence, the 2 2021 President’s Ball 2021 President’s Ball 3 WESTFIELD,WESTFIELD, NJ NJ (201)(201) 694 694 8204 8204 PROUDPROUD HONORED HONORED CITIZEN CITIZEN AND AND APPOINTED APPOINTED NEW NEW JERSEY JERSEY HONOR HONOR LEGION LEGION BOARD BOARD MEMBER MEMBER 4 2021 President’s Ball 2021 President’s Ball 5 TheNew Jersey Honor Legion was founded in December of 1966 under the premise of recognizing the “Finest of the Finest” for their many acts of heroism and valor. In our 50+ years of existence, more than 6000 law enforcement officers , representing agencies from throughout the state of New Jersey, have been accepted into our association. There are countless officers who perform above and beyond the call of duty on a constant basis. We encourage those officers to consider applying for membership! New Membership Requirements Any person, who is a bona-fide active and paid member, or honorably retired, from any regular Law Enforcement Agency, shall be eligible for apply for active membership into the New Jersey Honor Legion. Per our bylaws, applicants must meet the following criteria, and summit documentation (incident report), certifying the same in order to qualify for membership: Have risked his/her life to save a human life or whose life has Been in imminent risk of danger from an armed adversary 2021 President’s Ball Not to be considered for active membership are Sheriffs, Prosecutors or other elected or appointed officials. How to apply The New member applications and supporting documents are to be submitted to our Second Vice President for consideration. The Honor Legion mailing address and instructions are noted on the application. Any questions, please reach out to [email protected]. of the To learn more about the New Jersey Honor Legion, visit our website, Police Departments www.njhl.com or follow us on social media! of the State of New Jersey 6 2021 President’s Ball Since 1966 2021 President’s Ball 7 Officer of the Year NJSP Detective Richard Hershey, of the Troop “A” Criminal Investigation Office, Field Operations Section, Operations Branch, is the recipient of the 2020 NJHL Officer of the Year Award for his fearless and courageous actions during a home invasion investigation that resulted in him sustaining a gunshot wound to his abdomen. On Saturday, April 25, 2020, Detective Hershey was investigating a violent home invasion that occurred at the Harding Woods Trailer Park in Pittsgrove Town- ship, Salem County. While interviewing witnesses, several suspects involved in the robbery returned to the scene armed with handguns and confronted Detective Hershey. Despite identifying himself as a New Jersey State Trooper, the armed suspects continued to advance towards Detective Hershey at which point he drew his weapon in an attempt to defend himself and the witnesses. During the encounter, three of the suspects who were seated in a vehicle opened fire on Detective Hershey, striking him in his abdomen. Despite being critically wound- ed, Detective Hershey had the presence of mind to approach the fleeing vehicle and strike it with his handgun to leave a distinguishing mark to assist with later identifying the vehicle. Unable to walk and bleeding profusely, Detective Her- shey managed to crawl behind cover and calmly call 911 to request assistance and emergency services. During the exchange of gunfire, the suspects fired 13 rounds at Detective Hershey with many of the bullets striking nearby residences that were occupied at the time. Shortly after, Troopers arrived on scene to render aid to Detective Hershey. Detective Hershey was transported to Cooper University Hospital where he remained for several weeks before making a full recovery. Three men were ultimately charged in the shooting of Detective Hershey, while 18 have been charged overall in connection with the investigation, which included the home invasion. Detective Hershey’s outstanding dedication and commitment are deserving of the honor of being named, “Officer of the Year.” His heroic actions undoubtedly protected the residents of that neighborhood and prevented further tragedy. The remarkable efforts of Detective Richard Hershey embody the New Jersey State Police core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity. 8 2021 President’s Ball 2021 President’s Ball 9 2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD 2021 TRUSTEES Michael Cebulski Christopher Whiting William Morton Douglas Arendacs Mike Coletta Barry Feinberg Brad Forestieri Walter Hutchinson President Executive Vice President First Vice President Second Vice President NJ Transit Police Department Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Passaic County Sheriffs Department Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Paramus Police Dept. Bergen County Ridgefield Park PoliceDept . Rochelle Park Police Dept. David Bistacco Christopher Benevento Frank Iurato Pasquale DeRito Douglas Haberman Robert “Bruce” DelaCruz Vito Vicirca Luis Velasquez 1st Sgt. at Arms Financial Sect. Treasurer Recording Sect. Saddle Brook Police Department Paterson Police Department Mercer County Sheriffs Depart. Fair Lawn Police Depart. NY/NJ Waterfront Commission Cliffside Park Police Dept. Patterson Police Dept. NJ Transit Police Dept. Manuel Miniet Andy Montalvo 2nd. Sargent at Arms 3rd. Sargent at Arms Woodbridge Police Dept.. Perth Amboy Police Dept. 10 2021 President’s Ball 2021 President’s Ball 11 PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HONOR LEGION PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HONOR LEGION Raymond R. Louf Benedict J. Riccardi James F. Malone Thomas W. Martin Robert K. Kelley Otto Flaig John M. Morrow Walter R. Dyer Jersey City Police Dept Jersey City Police Dept Jersey City Police Dept Newark Police Dept Jersey City Police Dept Teterboro Police Dept West New York Police Dept Little Ferry Police Dept 1966 – 1969 1970- 1971 1972 – 1973 1974 1985 – 1986 1987 1988 – 1989 1990 – 1991 Francis J.