Dear Editor:
In recent years, the first Saturday of March has become a notable day for the City of Hoboken. This day has become an annual event that has attracted thousands of visitors, throughout the tri-state area and beyond, who celebrate in the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day. This event has become increasingly more popular each year. The challenges faced by this department have been well documented. This year, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was cancelled which presented some new and unique challenges for this department and for public safety.
A number of independent groups, both organized and non-organized, planned events to keep the traditions of this day alive. The large crowds of people were in full force and effect throughout the entire city which remained well into the midnight hours. Once again, the men and women of this department displayed the pride, commitment and determination needed to keep the residents of this city safe as well as maintain overall order throughout the city. I could have not been more proud of the effort, professionalism, determination and dedication exhibited by all members of this department.
Special thanks are in order for all the men and women of this department. The necessary level of restraint, quick and efficient enforcement and overall stamina displayed by all members were clearly evident. I sincerely appreciate the long and hard hours that were put in by all to ensure the objectives of the day were achieved. The seamless teamwork and coordination with other law enforcement agencies were exceptional. Most important, the genuine care and concern for your fellow officers is a prime example of your unyielding commitment to the law enforcement profession and to the community at large. I would be remiss if I did not also thank the other law enforcement/public safety agencies and their department chief’s/director’s that assisted this department on this day. These agencies include but are not limited to the following: Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Rapid Deployment Force(and participating agencies involved), Jersey City Police Department and the Jersey City Rapid Deployment Force, Stevens Police Department, Harrison Police Department, Kearny Police Department, West New York Police Department, North Bergen Police Department, Port Authority Police Department, Weehawken Police Department, Hudson County Corrections, New Jersey Transit and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, I would also like to thank the following local agencies and departments for assisting this department; Hoboken Fire Department, Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Traffic and Signal Division and the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management.
Sincerely,
Chief Anthony P. Falco Sr.