“Remembering Lauren Rousseau” Posted: Wednesday / 7.23.2014 / 11:20 AM

“Remembering Lauren Rousseau”
Posted: Wednesday / 7.23.2014 / 11:20 AM
NJ State PBA President's message:

I wanted to thank all the members who turned out yesterday in Long Beach Island. While some in the media categorized our gathering as a protest, those who were there know that is far from the truth. We stood in solidarity with firefighters, teachers and other concerned public employees and residents in remembrance of Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher Lauren Rousseau who the park was built for. It seems callous that the Governor would kick off his campaign to call for public workers to make more sacrifice at a park dedicated to a teacher who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Governor and his staff may have been looking to create a YouTube moment, hoping cops would be yelling and shouting him down as he spoke, but they did not get it. The officers who were present at the park exemplified the best of who we are with their conduct and presence. The silence of the more than 200 members present was louder than anything the Governor said.

There will be a time and place to protest the Governor and what he is doing. Yesterday was a day to make sure the memory of Lauren Rousseau was not forgotten. I thank all the officers who made sure the media and public remembered this location not for a town hall meeting, but for an outstanding teacher who lost her life doing what she loved.