President’s Message Spring 2015

Dear Friends,
As this magazine is written, hopefully winter is coming to a close and Easter is upon us. This season is another busy time for the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey. Our successful Annual Gala Dinner Dance honored some outstanding Italian Americans. We were proud to honor Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano as Man of the Year, Fox 5 News Reporter Teresa Priolo as Woman of the Year Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino as Law Enforcement Executive of the Year and William Agnellino as Businessman of the Year. This event was a great way to highlight the organization’s 30th year of service. We were entertained by a great live band and as always, The Fiesta did an outstanding job. We honored two brave young fallen officers at this event. Jersey City Police Detective Melvin Santiago and Cliffside Park Police Officer Stephen Petruzzello made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It was fitting that our organization recognize them in a fitting way.  I would like to thank Gala Chairman and Executive Vice President Ron Sepe for another outstanding job on the event. I would also like to thank Executive Director Vincent Nardone on producing another great Yearbook.
As you read this, final plans are being made for the Annual Pasta Night for Special Olympics.
I would like to thank Vice President Jerry Onnembo and Trustee Joe Rutigliano for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success. This is like no pasta dinner you have ever seen. A crew of our members, families and friends will spend the day making homemade gravy, meatballs (my mothers recipe) sausage, antipasto, salads and much more for an Italian meal that will blow you away. Through the generosity of one of our family members, we will have a Tricky Tray and be entertained by a comedian.
I invite you all to attend and enjoy this opportunity to support Special Olympics. It is
events like these that allow New Jersey law enforcement to remain #1 in the world in fundraising
so that our athletes need not pay for their competitions.
I also urge all law enforcement to consider volunteering at the 2015 Special Olympics NJ
Summer Games on June 12,13 & 14 at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. We have been
fortunate to participate in this life changing event for years and are very proud of our own
Executive Board member Robert Belfiore for serving as the State Director of the Law Enforcement
Torch Run for Special Olympics. Under his leadership, New Jersey has lead the
world in fundraising and programs.
Finally, I ask you to consider making the trip to Washington DC this May to attend the National Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil. Sadly we will be placing the names of fallen New Jersey police officers on the wall this year. It is also a great opportunity to support the hundreds of riders from our state that made the ride to Washington on the Police Unity Tour. Let’s remember that we need to protect and support each other in serving the community. We share a proud Italian heritage and a unique brotherhood and sisterhood in blue. I hope to see you at these events in the coming months. I thank you as always for your support and am proud to serve as your President.

Fraternal yours,
President William Schievella