President
Jim Durkin

This tradition was started back in 1989 by Mrs. Dolly Craig of Philadelphia, PA, who lost her son in law, Danny Gleason, a Philadelphia Police Officer killed in the line of duty in 1986.  In 1989 Mrs. Craig shared her idea with COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) and told them that she was honoring her son in law and his wife (who had died in an auto accident earlier in 1989) by placing a blue light in her window.

Because of her idea, a tradition was born.

Please place a blue light in your window this holiday season.

Several citizens were sworn in as Honored Citizens for their continued outstanding dedication and support to law enforcement.

The Honor Legion of the Police Departments of New Jersey was incorporated on December 27, 1966, and is recognized as a charitable organization under section 501(c)3. The Honor Legion is a fraternal, non-political organization that develops and encourages fraternal, charitable, social, and educational activities of its members, as well as supporting societal programs. We are also involved in sponsoring programs towards children with disabilities. We provide support and assistance monetarily, morally, or in any way possible, to a New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer’s family when he/she is killed in the line of duty. Those interested in joining the Association can view the membership criteria, on the website at www.njhl.com

The only raffle sponsored was a 50-50 in which the NJHL agreed beforehand to donate its share of the proceeds to the trust fund for P.O. Lisojo’s children established by the Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of Essex County. The winner, Mr. Ed. Brady from McInerney, Brady & Co. (who is also the NJHL accountant), graciously “donated back” his $350 winnings, allowing for a total contribution of $700 to be made to the trust fund.

The NJHL is an IRS recognized non-profit charitable organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c) (3). We are a fraternal, non-political organization that develops and encourages fraternal, charitable, social, and educational activities of its members, as well as supporting societal programs.

We provide support and assistance monetarily, morally, or in any other way possible, to a New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer’s family when he/she is killed in the line of duty. We also offer college scholarships to member’s children that are awarded on a competitive basis, as well as an annual Police Officer of the Year award program.

Information about the NJHL as well as membership requirements can be obtained through our web site (www.NJHL.com) or by calling 973/278-7225.

The NJHL purchased toys & clothing destined for 60 children (infant to adolescent) in the care of Children’s Aid & Family Services (CAFS).  These children are housed in 2 Pre-Adoptive Treatment Homes and 3 Adolescent Group Homes located in Ridgewood, Bogota, Park Ridge, and Paramus, New Jersey. CAFS also maintains the Turrell Child Development Center with 200 children, ages 2 months to 5 years old. The NJHL also purchased gifts for the children at the day care, as well as toys for the center itself.

The NJHL dropped off the toys & clothing that were on a “wish list” for the children of the group homes at the CAFS building at 200 Robin Rd., Paramus, NJ. At this location is also where the Turrell Child Developmental Center is located.  In addition to the products purchased for the group homes and the “Center”, the NJHL Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman and the Elves (played by children from The Windsor School of Pompton Lakes) distributed to each of the children a Christmas stocking complete with crayons and coloring book.

CAFS is a nationally accredited non-profit organization established in 1899. CAFS is a leading provider of comprehensive therapeutic and crisis-intervention programs for families in Northern New Jersey.  While the NJHL program focused upon Children’s services, CAFS also offers Family and Community services. Further information about CAFS can be found on their website, www.cafsnj.org, or by calling 201/634-3664.

The NJHL was incorporated on December 27th, 1966 and is recognized as a non-profit charitable organization that is exempt from federal and state income tax under section 501(c) (3).  We are approximately 2,600 active and retired law enforcement officers of many Federal, State, County, and Local agencies throughout the State of New Jersey whom have performed an act of valor at imminent risk to their life. We are a fraternal, non-political organization that develops and encourages fraternal, charitable, social, and educational activities of its members, as well as supporting societal programs. We are also involved in sponsoring programs toward children with disabilities.

We provide support and assistance monetarily, morally, or in any other way possible, to a New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer’s family when he/she is killed in the line of duty. Should the event have qualified that Officer for membership, that Officer is then posthumously inducted as a member of the organization. Our Widows and Orphans provide a contribution to the fallen officer’s estate.

Further information about the NJHL can be found on our website, www.njhl.com, or by calling 973/278-7225.

CAFS is a nationally accredited non-profit organization established in 1899. CAFS is a leading provider of comprehensive therapeutic and crisis-intervention programs for families in Northern New Jersey.  While the NJHL program focused upon Children’s services, CAFS also offers Family and Community services. Further information about CAFS can be found on their website, www.cafsnj.org, or by calling 201/634-3664.

The CAFS award was in recognition of the NJHL toy & gift project that provided toys and clothing for 60 children (infant to adolescent) in the care of CAFS Pre-Adoptive Treatment Homes (PATH) and Adolescent Group Homes located in Ridgewood, Bogota, Hackensack, Paterson, and East Orange, New Jersey. The NJHL also sponsored a “Holiday Party” complete with Santa Claus and toys for the CAFS operated Turell Child Development Center that services some 200 children, ages 2 months to 5 years old.

Also, over this past summer, CAFS was moving one of its PATH homes to a new location in Ridgewood, NJ. The NJHL responded by purchasing bedroom furniture for the eight girls who would be housed there.

Another example of the NJHL’s community involvement was when the NJHL brought Easter to “The Children Hospital” at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC). The visit included the “Tomorrows Children’s Institute” for cancer and blood disorders, the Pediatric Emergency department, General Pediatric Inpatient, and the Pediatric Ambulatory Care wards. The NJHL Easter Bunny distributed approximately 100 Easter Baskets, stuffed toys, coloring books, and Russ brand stuffed toys to the children that day.

Since its establishment in 1987, the Tomorrows Children Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Center has grown to be New Jersey’s premier center for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders, as well as providing for the psychosocial needs of patients and families. The Tomorrows Children’s Institute provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient oncology and hematology services for children of all ages. Further information about HUMC TCI can be found on their website, www.tcikids.com.

The NJHL was incorporated on December 27th, 1966 and is recognized as a non-profit charitable organization that is exempt from federal and state income tax under section 501(c) (3).  We are approximately 2,600 active and retired law enforcement officers of many Federal, State, County, and Local agencies throughout the State of New Jersey whom have performed an act of valor at imminent risk to their life. We are a fraternal, non-political organization that develops and encourages fraternal, charitable, social, and educational activities of its members, as well as supporting societal programs. We are also involved in sponsoring programs toward children with disabilities.

We provide support and assistance monetarily, morally, or in any other way possible, to a New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer’s family when he/she is killed in the line of duty. Should the event have qualified that Officer for membership, that Officer is then posthumously inducted as a member of the organization. Our Widows and Orphans provide a contribution to the fallen officer’s estate.

Further information about the NJHL can be found on our website, www.njhl.com, or by calling 973/278-7225.