Law Enforcement Night marks returns of youth coalition events at Mennen Arena – Daily Record
Limited to virtual events during the COVID pandemic, the Morris County-based New Jersey Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is breaking out of its bubble in a big way.
The nonprofit group, which unites elected officials, law enforcement, educational leaders and volunteers, has focused much of its effort since 2016 on hosting substance-free events for children to help them avoid drug and alcohol abuse. Those events frequently included free Friday Night Skates at Mennen Arena.
The coalition will return to the arena on Friday for a special Law Enforcement Night that will give children and adults a chance for an up-close, hands-on inspection of the latest gear used by police and emergency responders.
Police departments from all over the state are participating in the event, which serves as a community-engagement and recruiting opportunity. The event begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the coalition’s Facebook page.
“It is at this event that youngsters get to see first-hand how law-enforcement officers are positive influences in our community,” said Hanover Deputy Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher. “Law Enforcement Night has been known to further develop these relationships, often providing career opportunities for teens who might not have ever considered such a path.”
Gallagher was the driving force behind the formation of the coalition in 2016, hoping to better inform parents about youth substance abuse while producing stigma-free events designed to help entertain their children, build their self-esteem and provide an alternative to more risky behaviors.
Their early efforts also included a trip to Trenton to press the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee to rally support for their cause.
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Parsippany Mayor James Barberio was an early supporter.
“I have never worked with more passionate individuals and it is extremely gratifying to be able to make such a difference,” said Barberio, who was part of the Trenton delegation in 2016.
The COVID pandemic canceled public events, limiting the coalition to social-media engagement for more than 18 months.
“Isolation is a very dangerous thing and we were forced to isolate,” said Gallagher. “We have a lot of events coming up now because the COVID restrictions are relaxing. And the importance of what we’re doing now is more front-and-center than at any time before because of the amount of stress the pandemic put on people. It’s scary, so we’ll have to get together and work even harder now.”
As one of its most popular events in the past, Law Enforcement Night is coming along at the perfect time.
“There’s nothing like face-to-face,” Gallagher said. “We’re so happy to actually see people again. And when a bunch of people come together for the right reason, there’s no stopping what you can do.”
The equipment that will be on display includes the Morris County Hope Van, ambulances and emergency vehicles. Children will be able to ride a Morris County Park Police horse, try on handcuffs and visit other attractions “in a fun atmosphere.,” organizers said.
Barberio praised Gallagher and the coalition for its “prevention through education” approach to supporting at-risk children.
His desire to educate the community and promote a healthy, safe, substance and stigma-free environment for kids has become the benchmark of this high-powered committee,” Barberio said.
Gallagher said Barberio is participating in an upcoming meeting with the Parsippany School District to talk about introducing some of the coalition’s programs into the curriculum.
Other new fruitful partnerships are being formed. Gallagher was recently named to the board of the Morris County 200 Club, another nonprofit that supports local first responders and provides annual scholarships to high school seniors.
The coalition will also team up to support teen suicide prevention seminars later this month with the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris.
“As time changes, the coalition continues to evolve under Ace’s guidance, offering additional programs on teen suicide, vaping, bullying, mental health issues and whatever the current trend might be,” Barberio said.
“We have a lot of need, we have a lot of pent-up demand and we have a lot of of people who want to help,’ Gallagher said.
William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com Twitter: @wwesthoven