History of PBA Local 1

Policeman’s Benevolent Association

PBA LOCAL No. 1

PATERSON POLICE DEPARTMENT

New Jersey’s First Local (April 1875)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Paterson Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 1 and the Paterson Police Superior Officers Association (SOA) is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of New Jersey; to represent and protect the rights of all Paterson Police PBA and SOA members according to our labor contract, department rules and regulations, local, State, and Federal law; to provide for the well being of our members and their families.

The members of PBA Local 1 are dedicated to protecting life and property. We are committed to providing all citizens with the highest quality law enforcement and shall perform our duties in an efficient and effective manner. We understand that the ability to successfully complete our mission is based on shared mutual respect and responsibility between the Officers of PBA Local 1, the City of Paterson’s elected officials, local, county and municipal agencies, and the citizens of this great city. Our members will enforce the laws in a fair and impartial manner, recognizing both the statutory and judicial limitations of our police authority and at all times protecting the constitutional rights of every individual. Our leadership and members are committed to helping the community through various fundraisers, charities and community service.

A Brief History

The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association

During the early part of the year 1896, a group of Patrolmen, consisting of the following men:

James F. Evers John Tracey

John D. Garrison William E. Perry

John C. Quackenbush

Realizing the need for a Benevolent and Protective Association among the members of the Paterson Police Department, formed a Committee amongst themselves, and were instrumental in bringing about the organization of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.

The first meeting of the Association was held in Feist's Hall, located at Prospect and Ellison Streets,Paterson, N.J., on February 28, 1896.Elected as the first Officers of the Association:

President: James F. Evers

Vice-President: John Tracey

Secretary: John Garrison

Corresponding Secretary: William E. Perry

Financial Secretary/and Treasurer: J.C. Quackenbush

At the above-mentioned meeting, a Committee was appointed to make and file the Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of which is included on the following pages.

1936

On September 29th, 1896, the first regular meeting of the Patrolmen'sBenevolent Association of the State of New Jersey was held, and a member of the Paterson Police Department, Officer William F. Keefe, had the honor of being elected as its First President.

Paterson was given the additional honor of bearing the title of Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, Local No. 1, Branch of The New Jersey State P.B.A.

Today Paterson still has the honor of having a member of the Paterson Police Department as the State President of the Association, Officer Harry B. Gourley.

The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association has made great strides since its Incorporation and has always diligently strived to better the working conditions of the Police Officer, both in this City and in the State.

It has given aid to the needy and poor of the city, the late Captain Frank L. Bott being one of the examples of the outstanding services which its members have always been ready to give for any worthy cause; it has helped to bring about the day off per week for the men; it sponsored the Pension Act; it has always stood ready to defend any police officer who may need assistance; it has brought about the agreements with the local hospitals for the care of the members of the Association who may be in need of Medical Attention, and other beneficial acts too numerous to mention here.

It shall always strive to better the working conditions of the police officer.