Welcome to "Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast", the official podcast of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association (NJSPBA). Hosted by Vinny Rizzo, State Delegate from Local #217, this podcast delves into the critical issues, untold stories, and key initiatives impacting our brave men and women in blue. Join us as we engage in candid conversations with law enforcement professionals, union leaders, and community stakeholders to explore the challenges and triumphs of policing in ...
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Episode 28 - Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness in Law Enforcement
53:12
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53:12Send us a text In Episode 28 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo discusses the often overlooked yet crucial issue of mental health in law enforcement. Joined by Luke Sciallo and Dr. Stacy Pytal, creators of the Peer Response Team, the episode highlights the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and addresses the stigm…
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Episode 27 – Supporting NJSPBA's Survivor and Welfare Fund: A Conversation with Pete and Mike
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22:19Send us a text In Episode 27 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo talks with President Peter Andreyev and Executive Vice President Michael Freeman about the crucial New Jersey State PBA Survivor and Welfare Fund. The fund provides immediate financial relief to families of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty,…
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Episode 26 - Honoring the Fallen: A Journey with the Police Unity Tour
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47:39Send us a text In Episode 26 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo introduces retired Chief Pat Montoure, founder of the Police Unity Tour. Chief Montoure, who has had a distinguished career in law enforcement, shares his experience building and leading the Police Unity Tour, an international organization dedicated to honorin…
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Episode 25 - Revolutionizing First Responder Healthcare: A Sit-down with Chris Deacon and Kevin Lyons
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57:00Send us a text In Episode 25 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, hosted by Vinny Rizzo, Chris Deacon and Kevin Lyons dive into the newly proposed First Responder Health Benefits Program. They discuss the current issues plaguing the state's health benefit system, including lack of transparency and rising costs, and how the new program aims t…
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Episode 24 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Jon Bramnick (R)
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24:04Send us a text In Episode 24 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo introduces the final installment of a series featuring the platforms of New Jersey's gubernatorial candidates ahead of the June primaries. Candidates participated in a Q&A moderated by PBA lobbyist Rob Nixon and answered questions from the delegation to compar…
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Episode 23 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli (R)
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36:04Send us a text In Episode 23 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, hosted by Vinny Rizzo, listeners continue to listen to a special seven-episode series that presents the platforms of gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey ahead of the June primaries. The series includes speeches from the Mini Convention held in early March, Q&A sessions mode…
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Episode 22 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Sweeney (D)
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26:28
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26:28Send us a text In Episode 22 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, hosted by Vinny Rizzo, listeners continue listening to a seven-part series covering the platforms of all gubernatorial candidates ahead of the June primaries. This series, including episodes 18 through 24, stems from the Mini Convention held in early March where each candidate…
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Episode 21 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Mikie Sherrill (D)
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28:36Send us a text In Episode 21 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo continues a series where gubernatorial candidates present their platforms ahead of the June primaries. This series, covering 7 episodes, features speeches from the Mini Convention held in early March, including Q&A sessions moderated by PBA lobbyist Rob Nixon.…
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Episode 20 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Sean Spiller (D)
34:08
34:08
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34:08Send us a text In Episode 20 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo continues a special series covering the platforms of all gubernatorial candidates ahead of the June primaries. The discussion is based on their speeches from the NJSPBA mini-convention and features a Q&A session moderated by PBA lobbyist Rob Nixon. The episode…
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Episode 19 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Josh Gottheimer (D)
34:31
34:31
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34:31Send us a text In Episode 19 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, hosted by Vinny Rizzo, our special series covering the platforms of gubernatorial candidates ahead of the June primaries continues. The series features speeches and Q&A sessions from a mini convention moderated by PBA lobbyist Rob Nixon, where candidates discuss their vision f…
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Episode 18 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Spadea (R)
48:06
48:06
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48:06Send us a text In Episode 18 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, hosted by Vinny Rizzo, gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea presents his platform ahead of the June primaries. This episode is part of a special seven-episode series where candidates share their visions for New Jersey directly. The series includes Q&A sessions moderated by PBA …
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Episode 17 - Building a Stronger Police Force: Open Communication between Chiefs and Officers
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42:46
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42:46Send us a text Episode 17 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, features an in-depth conversation between host Vinny Rizzo and veteran Rutherford police chief, John Russo, the current President of the New Jersey Police Chief’s Association. The discussion explores the importance of open-door policies, effective communication, and the balance o…
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Episode 16 - Union Strong: “Live” from the Hard Rock Mini Convention
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26:06Send us a text In Episode 16, the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast takes you to the bustling lobby and packed check-in lines at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City for this year's record-breaking mini convention. Host Vinny Rizzo navigates through the crowd, gathers stories and insights from attendees like PBA Attorney Colin Lynch, Don Rowley f…
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Episode 15 - Victory! Exploring the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)
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32:55Send us a text In Episode 15 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo and guest Colin Lynch discuss the Social Security Fairness Act, also known as HR 82, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 5th, 2025. Designed to address long-standing injustices faced by certain public sector employees, this act eliminates t…
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Episode 14 - Behind the Scenes of the NJSPBA Conventions
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26:10Send us a text In Episode 14 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, Anthony Dellatacoma, the NJSPBA’s Convention Coordinator, sits in studio with host Vinny Rizzo and details his role, responsibilities, and the extensive planning involved in organizing the state's large-scale conventions. He discusses the importance of networking, participation, a…
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Episode 13 - Diving Into the Special Olympics: The Polar Bear Plunge
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29:37Send us a text In Episode 13 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo is joined by Kevin Burke, the director of Special Olympics New Jersey. This episode delves into the upcoming Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights, now celebrating its 32nd year. The Plunge is a significant fundraiser, supporting over 20,000 athletes to partici…
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Episode 12 - Union Strength in Action: NJSPBA Collective Negotiation Seminar Highlights
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36:56
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36:56Send us a text In Episode 12 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo delves into real stories of union strength in action, featuring 14 testimonials from attendees of last week's collective negotiation seminar. The episode illustrates the impact of the seminar on securing stronger contracts and confidently navigating tough nego…
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Episode 11 - Empowering Women in Law Enforcement: NJWLE
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35:02Send us a text In Episode 11 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo interviews Heather Glogolich, President of New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement (NJWLE) and Captain at NJIT Police Department. Heather, with 21 years in law enforcement, discusses NJWLE's mission, initiatives, and challenges in supporting female officers and pr…
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Episode 10 – An In-Depth Look at the NJSPBA’s Legal Protection Plan
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29:09Send us a text In Episode 10 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo converses with Kevin Lyons, the current executive director of the New Jersey State PBA. Kevin, who manages the organization's legal protection plan, discusses the plan's extensive benefits, including civil and criminal coverage, life insurance policies, and le…
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Episode 9 - Preview of the NJSPBA Collective Negotiations Seminar
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37:04Send us a text In Episode 9 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo previews the upcoming collective negotiation seminar scheduled for February 4th to 6th in Atlantic City. Guests Pat Papero and Michael Freeman discuss the seminar's history, its evolution, and the importance of education in labor relations for PBA members. They…
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Episode 8 - Yet ANOTHER new PBA Blue Guardian addition: Plymouth Rock Assurance
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22:17Send us a text In Episode 8 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, after a holiday hiatus, host Vinny Rizzo sits down with PBA Blue Guardian to explore a new partnership between them and Plymouth Rock Assurance. Featuring familiar voice Rob Schielke alongside guests John Knick and Melissa Isman from Plymouth Rock, the episode delves into enhan…
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Episode 7 - President Andreyev and Executive Vice President Freeman 6 Months In
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36:39Send us a text In Episode 7 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo intros an interview done by NJ COPS Founder Mitchell Krugel that revisits the progress of union leaders President Peter Andreyev and Executive Vice President Michael Freeman, six months into their roles. They discuss the positive feedback received from members, the…
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Send us a text In Episode 6 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo presents two segments. The first segment features an interview with Chris Ebert, Chairman of the Valor Awards Committee, discussing the importance, categories, and selection process of the NJSPBA Valor Awards, which recognizes extraordinary acts of bravery by PBA m…
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Episode 5 - Holiday Community Initiatives and New PBA Blue Guardian Programs
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19:51Send us a text In this first ever multiple segment episode of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voice Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo discusses various holiday related community initiatives and PBA programs. The first segment features Vito Spadea, Delegate from Somerville PBA Local #147, talking about upcoming holiday movie nights and the annual toy drive benefiting …
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Episode 4 - Yet another NEW member benefit, Intro to the NJSPBA Federal Credit Union
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41:07Send us a text In Episode 4 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo sits down with Keith Stone, President and CEO of the New Jersey State PBA Federal Credit Union. The discussion covers the new member benefits of the credit union, Keith Stone’s extensive career background, and the unique advantages that this credit union offers…
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Episode 3- Get to know Labor Relations Specialist Pat Papero and listen to his Nashville Presentation
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23:29
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23:29Send us a text In Episode 3 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo interviews Pat Papero, the New Jersey State PBA's new labor relations specialist. Vinny introduces Pat’s extensive background in law enforcement and union representation, detailing his experience with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and various PBA committee…
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Episode 2 - One of our newest benefits, PBA Blue Guardian
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20:17Send us a text In Episode 2 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo talks with representatives from the New Jersey State PBA-owned insurance agency, PBA Blue Guardian. The segment features Robert Schielke and Craig Eagleson, who discuss new life and insurance benefits available to PBA members. Schielke, a Navy veteran with 35 y…
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Episode 1 - Get to know President Peter Andreyev and Executive Vice President Michael Freeman
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40:35Send us a text In the first episode of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo introduces listeners to the New Jersey State PBA's new digital media venture. Vinny emphasizes the podcast as a vital new member benefit aimed at enhancing engagement and shaping future union leadership. The episode features an interview by Mitchell Kru…
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Episode 218: Learning From California: Policy Lessons From Golden State Exodus
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46:10Joe Selvaggi speaks with Tim Anaya of the Pacific Research Institute about his new book, The California Left Coast Survivor’s Guide, exploring insights and lessons on how Massachusetts can stay competitive.By Pioneer Institute
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Ep 217: New England Short Circuit: Distorted Incentives Drive Energy Prices Up and Reliability Down
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43:13
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43:13Joe Selvaggi talks with Travis Fisher from the Cato Institute about the rising costs and increasing fragility of the New England power grid, as green capacity incentives distract from neglected infrastructure.By Pioneer Institute
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Episode 216: Controlling Drug Prices: Costs and Benefits of Direct Negotiation with Big Pharma
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35:40Joe Selvaggi talks with Pioneer Institute Director Bill Smith about the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on drug pricing negotiations and its potential effects on drug development, consumers, and taxpayers.By Pioneer Institute
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Episode 215: Harris' Tax Vision: Policy & Politics
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33:57
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33:57Joe Selvaggi talks with Tax Foundation Vice President William McBride about the details and potential effects of the tax policy proposed by Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.By Pioneer Institute
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Episode 214: Digital Privacy Divide: Can Law Enforcement Google Where You’ve Been?
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35:40Joe Selvaggi talks with Cato Institute legal fellow Brent Skorup about the split in the court of appeals over the Constitution's 4th Amendment protections concerning law enforcement's search of location tracking data.By Pioneer Institute
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Episode 213: Housing Bond Bill: Could Billions Better Bay State Cost of Living
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37:27Joe Selvaggi talks with Pioneer's Senior Housing Fellow, Andrew Mikula, about the recently passed $5.2 billion bond bill, discussing its key features and how it might impact the supply and cost of homes in Massachusetts.By Pioneer Institute
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Episode 212: Ruinous Red Tape: Epic Cost of Unchecked Federal Rule Making
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40:09Joe Selvaggi discusses the emergence of the massive, costly, and rapidly growing register of federal rules and regulations with Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Wayne Crews.By Pioneer Institute
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Ep 211: Property Tax Reassessment: Beleaguered Buildings Bear Burden of Boston’s Burgeoning Budget
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36:25
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36:25Joe Selvaggi talks with Marty Walz, the interim president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, about more viable, long-term alternatives to Mayor Wu’s property tax classification proposal.By Pioneer Institute
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Ep 210: Registering Republican Realignment: GOP Convention Showcases Conservatism's New Direction
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41:18
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41:18Joe Selvaggi talks with the CATO Institute’s Dr. Norbert Michel about the shift in the Republican vision and policy goals from decades past, as reflected in the nominees and guest speakers at the 2024 GOP Convention.By Pioneer Institute
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Ep. 209: Candidate Selection Breakdown: Presidential Primary Primacy or Determined Delegate Detour
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36:20
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36:20Joe Selvaggi talks with MIT Professor Charles Stewart III about the political party’s presidential candidate nomination process and what or who ultimately decides who is chosen.By Pioneer Institute
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Episode 208: Breaking Down Encampments: Court Finds no Right to Sleep Outdoors
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34:48
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34:48Joe Selvaggi speaks with Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Dr. Stephen Eide about the Grants Pass v. Johnson Supreme Court decision and its impact on homeless encampments in Boston and across the country.By Pioneer Institute
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