When a law enforcement officer responds on the street, they cannot be without their bulletproof vests. Any officer knows a situation can escalate in a matter of seconds. In an effort to make sure their men and women are protected, Toms River Local 137 held its “Vest-A-Cop” fundraiser for the 32nd year in a row.
The department moved this year’s event, held on Sept. 26, to downtown Toms River. Residents could find officers waiting tables at several restaurants. Additionally, downtown Toms River was filled with tons of activities including a dunk tank, hatchet throwing, corn hole, face painting and local vendors. Not only did the department raise money, its members were able to get out and build community relationships.
In addition to the fun fundraising events, Toms River Regional Schools contributed with their own set of activities. One of the fundraisers even involved students and staff duct taping one of their principals to a wall, raising $1,500.
Thanks to the community’s efforts, Local 137 was able to make sure that every brother and sister in blue is protected when going out to serve. The event was sponsored by Autoland and the Grunin Foundation.
“This year did not disappoint, as the community came out in record numbers,” Local 137 State Delegate Jesse Robertazzi noted. “It was an all-around amazing day, and the continued success of this event reinforces the overwhelming support we have from our community.”
