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 Patti Smith Barrett. Barrett was struck by a distracted driver on Fairmount Ave on Jan. 2, and died five days later.

“Goal Zero is ultimately about preventing another family and another community from experiencing a loss like this," said Chatham Police Chief Brian K. Gibbons.

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

“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.

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

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.

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