'Support The Bridgewater Police' Signs Being Sold By Resident

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Fed up with the lack of support for police, longtime Bridgewater resident Pete Smeretsky is selling signs to show support for the township police.

Smeretsky got the idea to make the signs after driving around with his wife. He saw a sign in support of the Readington Police which prompted him to do the same for his hometown of 47 years.

"I have been and still am frustrated with what is going on in our country. This is not the country I grew up in," Smeretsky said. "So I decided to do something about it."

Smertsky is referring to criticism towards local police departments and sentiments calling for "defunding the police" being heard across the country following the killed on George Floyd.

Smertsky used the police department's shield and the wording "We Support The Bridgewater Police" to create the sign. He showed it to Bridgewater Police Chief Paul Payne and asked where he should donate any profits.

Payne suggested donating to Officer Down Memorial Page, which is a national organization that provides for families of fallen officers.

So far Smertsky has sold about 600 signs out of the 1,000 he has ordered. Residents can donate whatever they chose to purchase a sign. Smertsky has said residents have been very generous with their donations.

Smertsky will be selling the signs on Saturdays at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex on Commons Way from 9 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. Or you can order a sign by calling or texting Smertsky at 908-507-0356.

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