Dear Members:

I think we would all agree that with the challenges facing police officers today a legal protection plan protecting police officers rights as result of frivolous lawsuits and bogus charges is no longer an option. As we all are aware, legal and criminal proceedings are very expensive. The FOP is proud to offer an affordable legal plan to our FOP members. Over 600 Jersey City Police FOP Members are already signed up for the legal plan that we believe is second to none. For $9.00 per month on payroll deduction (added to your $7.00 regular monthly payroll deduction membership fee) you will be represented by the Law Firm of Fusco and Macaluso, PA. This firm and their associates have represented the New Jersey State FOP Lodge for over 25 years and the Jersey City FOP since 1999. This Legal Plan has NO CAPS and provides UNLIMITED legal defense for On and Off duty police related incidents involving criminal. civil, or administrative hearings with NO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. Enrolled members can contact the Law Firm of Fusco and Macaluso, day or night, 24/7 at (973) 779-1163 where an experienced attorney will respond to assist with your legal needs. Members wishing to take advantage of this Legal Plan should contact 1st V.P. Sgt Patricia Cassidy at (201) 547-5389.

Captain Charles Nierstedt chairs our Life Insurance Committee. All on-the-job members are covered up to the age of fifty-five for $10,000 in case of death. For members fifty-five and older the benefit is $5000. Retired members can continue to take advantage of this benefit for a minimal yearly fee. For further information contact Captain Nierstedt at (201) 547-5429.

Brother Joe Roselle handles our retired members needs and correspondence. The yearly dues for retired members is $20.00. Bills will be sent out in January of each year. Address changes for retired members should be sent to Joe Roselle at P.O. Box 5176, Jersey City, N.J. 07305.

Sergeant Patrick McCarthy, Lodge 4 Secretary, is responsible for all lodge correspondence. Sgt. McCarthy can be reached at the Chiefs Office (201) 547-5307.

Detective Dennis DeStefano handles FOP merchandise, shield, and license plate requests. He can be reached at the Police Academy (201) 376-2321.

Brother Fred Paparteys handles our Associate Membership program. Correspondence concerning our associate membership can be sent to Fred at 0-7634 St., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.

Our lodge offers four $1500 college scholarships to children of Lodge #4 members who are high school seniors about to enter the first year of college. The 200 Club of Hudson County chooses these recipients for Lodge # 4. The N.J. State FOP also offers six $1000 scholarships to all State FOP members. These scholarships are for each of the four years of college. Scholarship applications are available in January 2009. Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 1, 2009. Applications can be downloaded from this web site.

FOP members are offered tremendous discounts through New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company. Please call 1-800-232-6600; use identification #52018. Be sure to check the NJ. State FOP newspaper for other member benefits such as discount on laser vision correction, home mortgages, vacations, furniture. and vehicle purchases.

Our lodge sponsors Little League Teams, Jersey City charity sporting events, and other Police and Community Fundraisers. We also contribute to the Deborah Hospital which entitles lodge members and their immediate families to instant admission. We sponsor and fund the entire cost of our elite Honor Guard and contribute to several fundraisers for the New Jersey Special Olympics during the year.

The FOP promotes Fraternalism. We will continue to support the efforts of the POBA and the PSOA in their constant battle to maintain the benefits they so successfully negotiated for in the past and stand ready to assist in matters affecting our membership.

Our monthly meetings are held at O'Hara's Pub, formally PJ. Ryan's located at 1st Street & Maria Blvd at 7:00 pm on the 1st Thursday of the month (except in July & August). Information relative to lodge events is available on this Web Site.