Chatham Police ‘Show Up’ For Patti Smith Barrett During Goal Zero Campaign

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Borough police stepped up traffic enforcement Saturday in memory of deceased Officer Patti Smith Barrett.

During a six-hour Goal Zero detail, officers made 73 motor vehicle stops and issued 44 summonses for dangerous driving. Twenty-five involved illegal cellphone use. Patrol officers also supported the initiative throughout the day.

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Chief Brian Gibbons said the effort was about more than writing tickets. Every stopped driver received a Goal Zero flyer explaining the campaign and the person officers were honoring.

"The goal was never simply to write tickets; it was to change behavior, prevent crashes and save lives in Patti's memory," Gibbons said.

Gibbons said drivers were respectful and receptive, including those who received summonses. Officers focused on distracted, careless, reckless and other dangerous behavior behind the wheel.

The campaign reached beyond Chatham. Police departments across New Jersey participated, and officers in Garden City, New York, joined after learning about the initiative.

One of the day's meaningful moments came when officers visited Barrett's husband, Dan, and his family at their Chatham home. Dan wore a "Show Up" shirt and presented officers with matching hats.

The growing Show Up Project encourages people to support one another, help others and make a difference in Patti's memory.

"On Saturday, we showed up," Gibbons said. "We showed up for Dan and his family. We showed up for traffic safety."

Gibbons thanked the officers, county dispatchers and New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police members who contributed to the campaign.

The real measure of success, he said, will be "the crashes that never happen, the injuries that are prevented" and the families spared from devastating news.

"If Patti's story causes someone to put down their phone, slow down, pay attention or make a safer decision behind the wheel, then her memory continues to protect others," Gibbons said.

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