Whether or not you work in a public safety position, as a police officer or firefighter, regardless of rank or municipality; it is clear that we all must recognize a constant shift in political and public opinion. 

There is no longer any excuse for any member of the Police and Fire Pension System, or any State run pension system to not be concerned as to the administrating, funding, and future of the aforementioned systems.  As the State of New Jersey hurdles toward fiscal revolution and economic solutions ranging from toll hikes to increases in the gasoline tax in an effort to reverse decades of fiscal irresponsibility and neglectful spending, we find ourselves in the crosshairs of legislators and public advocates.

Despite a storied tradition of great public image and overwhelming goodwill purchased by the courage and dedication of firefighters throughout our history, we now find the fire service in a battle for the publics’ resolve to continue to place funding our health and benefits as necessary versus unaffordable.  The tighter the purse strings become in local and state government, the brighter the light shone on cost and funding municipal fire and police becomes.

Daily arguments in Trenton and in city halls across the State surround the affordability of every economic benefit we currently enjoy. The New Jersey State FMBA and the New Jersey State PBA recognize the difficulties ahead and must enlist the support and conscientiousness of every member of our respective organizations.  To say our livelihood, staffing, benefits and future are under attack is a gross understatement.  As Governor Corzine completes the last of his 21 county meetings on toll hikes and the fiscal state of New Jersey, the public cry for cutbacks in police and fire pensions and benefits grows ever stronger.  The need to impact public opinion and shed light on the  truth regarding our pension system, our funding of same and the difference between our occupations and others, grows ever more immediate and necessary.

Those of you who attend local and state meetings and offer support do well in continuing the tradition of union solidarity and are acutely aware of the challenges we face.  For those of you who are currently unaware, and uninformed, and uninvolved, you enhance local and state government’s opportunity and likelihood of initiating irrevocable harm to our industry, our future retirement benefits, and all of the progress we have struggled for and made thus far. 

I cannot overemphasize the need for all to rally behind your local union leaders and support, physically and financially, the campaign to set the record straight and safeguard the very basic contractual benefits we current enjoy and seek to maintain.  IF you are currently uninvolved, any continued lethargy , regardless of your rank, will simply lend further support  to government’s position and undermine our own.

I anticipate that those exposed to this message, will recognize our situation and act according.  Together we can continue to advance our agenda, however, without the support of each and every  member we may in fact fall prey to a climate of fear and propaganda.  Be aware, be vocal, and take nothing for granted. 

“Inaction, contrary to its reputation, is neither safe nor comfortable.”