Injustice at The West New York Police Department!
We recently got word that 20 to 22 police officers will be laid off in West New York. This is another draconian measure from the corrupt administration of Mayor Sal Vega, who has taken upon himself the task of laying off 20 officers in the midst of a crisis when they are needed the most.
Police officers are truly special. Their job does not consist of the responsibilities typically faced by the average employee. They put their lives on the line every day to protect us. They deserve our respect and our highest consideration. They are the last group of people you would want to lay off. The fewer of them patrolling our streets, the more chances the criminal element have to pray on civilians.
Police officers are always involved with the community. They are an intrinsic part of our society. Many officers are coaches or mentors, others lead programs for our youth, or care for our senior citizens, and under tremendous stress they manage to maintain professional and courteous conduct towards our residents no matter how complex the multicultural community in which they work may be.
Last night their union held a meeting where voices of anger were heard. Meanwhile, Mayor Vega’s ruffled countenance made several apparations on local TV, bragging about the “good” job he has been doing with the police department.
The same night the Vega administration announced the firing of 20 to 22 police officers. Either Mayor Vega was talking about another municipal department and confused the terms or he has lost complete touch with reality in the town in which he is supposed to be the most respected authority.
To give you an idea of who is being directly affected by the new measures, the first police officer to be disposed of unceremoniously worked undercover for the WNYPD and was commended for his work enthusiastically before his removal. He is responsible for single-handedly leading to the arrest of more than 26 drug dealers in the town. This young man’s undercover work is an example of how great an impact police officers can have on our community when allowed and encouraged to do their duties.
The reward he gets is a pink slip from Sal Vega.
No matter if he’s got a family to support. No matter what he has done. It’s politics first for Sal Vega and his repressive political machine.
Like this officer, 22 others of equal courage and commitment will be unemployed in these difficult times.
It is wrong to fire these police officers.
It is wrong because while these 22 officers will be looking for work soon, dozens of Vega’s political allies are milking the cow of politics with high positions in every department.
It is wrong to disregard the safety of West New Yorkers because the mayor and his administration cannot manage the budget.
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, unless you are part of the Vega cult-like political machine, you have to agree on the injustice and recklessness of this action.
On the other hand, these men invested their money, time and effort in fulfilling a life mission. Just like teachers their profession is a vocation.
We raise our voice and join in solidarity with the WNYPD and the brothers who spoke their hearts out at last night’s meeting, hoping that change will come soon and a new administration will rehire all of these young officers and more.
Also read The Jersey Journal’s: Papers filed with West New York clerk to recall Vega, 4 others.
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