Maplewood Police Officers Recognized for Valor

Editor's Note: Chief of Police Robert Cimino and the Maplewood Township Committee recognized Maplewood Police officers for their valor at a special presentation in Town Hall in May. Read about that .

Maplewood police officers were among dozens of Essex County patrolmen recognized for valor at a special ceremony in Cedar Grove back in June.

On Sunday, June 5, 2011, the Essex County P.B.A. Conference held their 29th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony, at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove. The Conference is a coalition of P.B.A. locals, from the NJ State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, that represent municipal and county law enforcement officers, as well as the members of the NJ Transit Police Department P.B.A.

The ceremony, started in 1983 by then County Conference Chairman, Richard O'Malley, honors the men and women who have distinguished themselves during the past year through valorous deeds and excellence in police work.

Their peers recognize individual officers, as well as specific units within each law enforcement agency. Retired West Orange Police Lieutenant Patrick Yorke, who has been in charge of the committee since 1996, chairs the awards committee.

Several years ago, the P.B.A. Conference merged their scholarship awards dinner with the valor awards ceremony. Children of law enforcement officers are chosen through a competitive application process and are granted $1,000 scholarships to assist with college costs. Over the years, the Conference has awarded more than $50,000 worth of scholarships.

-William J. Brennan, Chairman
Essex County P.B.A. Conference