Sheriff’s Officers Endorse Russo for Sheriff, Completing Perfect Game of Somerset County Law Enforcement Endorsements

The Men and Women Who Know the Importance of The Sheriff’s Office Pick Russo, Reject Parenti, Following Every Other Union Representing Rank and File Officers in Somerset County

For Immediate Release: October 24, 2019

[Somerville, NJ] – Democrat Darrin Russo has been endorsed for Somerset County Sheriff by the Sheriff’s officers he is running to oversee, as the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #39 announced their endorsement for 2019.  The Sheriff’s officers join the Somerset County Corrections Officers, represented by the Middlesex and Somerset PBA, in endorsing Russo meaning the men and women who know the Sheriff’s office and duties the best are behind Russo.

“I am deeply honored to have the support of the Sheriff’s officers, and look forward to a long and successful partnership with them as we build a powerful community policing department for Somerset County,” said Russo, who retired as a Lieutenant after 30 years of decorated service to the Franklin Township police department. “Together we will ensure that our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and places of worship are connected to the Sheriff’s department and officers for mutual benefit and safer communities.”

“On behalf of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Officers Association FOP #39, we are extremely honored to endorse Darrin Russo for Sheriff of Somerset County,” said Dominick Albanese, President of FOP Lodge #39. “Darrin supports and understands both our and the community’s needs and concerns. Our members believe in all the positive changes Darrin will bring to our agency. We look forward to the experienced leadership of Darrin Russo as our Sheriff.”

Russo has also received the endorsements of the New Jersey State Troopers and the New Jersey State PBA.

“Somerset County’s finest have made it clear that Darrin Russo is the most qualified candidate for Sheriff, with endorsements covering every rank and file police officer in the county backing Darrin,” said Peg Schaffer, Somerset County Democratic Chair. “The men and women who work for Chief Parenti and Sheriff Provenzano have made it clear the County can do better, and Darrin Russo is the only candidate to deliver the change Somerset County Sheriff’s Department needs.”

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSING DARRIN RUSSO FOR SHERIFF

Middlesex-Somerset County PBA
“Darrin’s top priority is to make the County Sheriff and its officers not only visible to the public, but to be an active, engaged part of their community,” said Joe D. Dudley II, County Chair of the Middlesex-Somerset County PBA. “Under a Russo-led Sheriff’s department, you will see the Sheriff’s officers involved in programs throughout the county making a noticeable, lasting impact on the safety and quality of life of the residents.”

New Jersey State PBA
“On behalf of the 33,000 law enforcement officers represented by the NJ State PBA, we are honored to endorse your candidacy for Sheriff of Somerset County,” said Pat Colligan, State President of the New Jersey State PBA. “Your work ethic, natural law enforcement skills, sense of community, and your ability to remain calm under extraordinary circumstances makes you eminently qualified to serve as Sheriff.”

State Troopers Fraternal Association
“The State Troopers Fraternal Association … unequivocally endorses you for the office of Somerset County Sheriff,” said Wayne Blanchard, President, State Troopers Fraternal Association. “The men and women of the State Troopers Fraternal Association look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you as the next Somerset County Sheriff in facing all the challenges that we as law enforcement officers deal with on a day to day basis.”

New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association
“The New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association is proud to endorse Lt. Darrin Russo for Somerset County Sheriff in the 2019 election,” said the FMBA in a statement. “Throughout his career Darrin has demonstrated a commitment to protecting his community as a police officer, as a volunteer, and as a father. As firefighters we recognize a kindred spirit dedicated to protecting people and property, and fully support Darrin’s campaign for Sheriff.”

Middlesex-Somerset AFL-CIO Central Labor Council
“The Middlesex-Somerset AFL-CIO Labor Council supports Melonie Marano for Freeholder and Darrin Russo for Sheriff,” said Wayne Martiak, President of the Middlesex-Somerset AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. “Melonie and Darrin understand the importance of making Somerset County a place for working people to raise a family and to keep them safe. They will fight for the middle class and all working families whenever it is needed.”

Somerset County Education Association
“The Somerset County Education Association is proud to announce the endorsement of Melonie Marano for Somerset County Freeholder and Darrin Russo for Somerset County Sheriff,” said Dan Epstein, President, Somerset County Education Association.  “As educators, we recognize that the decisions made by elected officials have a profound impact on our students and public education, so it is critically important that educators become involved in the process and support candidates who will be advocates for our students, our schools and our profession.”

Somerset County Retired Educators Association
“We are proud to stand with Darrin Russo for Sheriff and Melonie Marano for Freeholder in Somerset County,” said Carol Shields, Chair of the Somerset County Retired Educators Association. “We will always stand with candidates we believe are best for public education, our members, and our students.”