Trenton — On the steps of the State House, the National Troopers Coalition (NTC) — the national organization representing the New Jersey State Police’s three organized units — the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), and the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, today give their endorsements to Phil Murphy for governor.

The National Troopers Coalition includes New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association, New Jersey Non-Commissioned Officers, and the New Jersey State Troopers Superior Officers Association. The Port Authority PBA represents the more than 1,600 members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police.

“New Jersey’s law enforcement officers deserve a leader in the State House who not only respects their dedication and hard work, but also supports their efforts in making New Jersey a safe place for its citizens. Phil Murphy is that leader and the National Troopers Coalition is proud to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in support of Phil Murphy for New Jersey Governor.  Phil Murphy is committed to fairness and respect for NJ Troopers,” said Jimmy Chavez, chairman of the National Troopers Coalition.

“New Jersey’s career law enforcement officers deserve a governor who will work as hard as they do. Phil Murphy has proven to the police community that he will open his door to them to work in partnership on all the issues important to our profession. We are committed to a relationship with the Governor’s Office built on mutual respect and understanding for the jobs that lay ahead, and we know that we will be able to rebuild that critical relationship with Phil Murphy.” Stated Michael McHale, president, National Association of Police Organizations, which represents 240,000 Police Officers throughout the country.

“New Jersey’s uniformed officers need a governor who will be an honest partner, who will respect the work our members do, and will respect collective bargaining. Phil Murphy will be that governor, and we are proud to support him,” said Pete Stilianessis, President of the Non-Commissioned Officers, which represents over 900, sergeants, detective sergeants, staff sergeants, sergeants first class, and detective sergeants first class of the State Police.

“Our officers don’t want special treatment. We simply want to be treated fairly and know that we have leadership that respects our input into how best to keep our state and residents safe, because they are there every day and see first-hand what works and what doesn’t,” said Port Authority PBA President Paul Nunziato. “Our members have always had New Jersey’s back, and we need a governor who will, too.”

“Every single day, New Jersey’s dedicated State Troopers leave their homes to answer the call of service and honor their sworn duty to protect our state, unsure if they’ll return to their families. The least we ask for is a governor who will support us, fully honor that sacrifice, give us a seat at the table, and work with us,” said Chris Burgos, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association, which represents all Troopers under the rank of sergeant.

“Every day, our members live up to the words on their badge: Honor, Duty, Fidelity,” said Richard Roberts, President of the State Troopers Superior Officers Association, which represents Lieutenants and Captains. “We need a governor who will take the same values into the State House, to work with us, and value our service by honoring the promises the state has made. We believe Phil Murphy is the governor who will stand up for those values.”

“The men and women of the State Police and the Port Authority Police are the first faces many people entering New Jersey see keeping our state safe. They have answered a calling to public service and deserve a governor who will work with them to ensure they have both the resources they need to do their jobs and the respect that will keep law enforcement as that vital calling for future generations to answer,” said Murphy. “I am honored to have their support, and look forward to working with them to repair the relationship and restore the mutual trust in the Governor’s Office.”