Gov. Christie To The Camden Police Department: Thank You

Camden, 11-2-2015. Governor Christie: I’m here because I want to continue to bring attention to those things and to say thank you. Me as the governor, the Mayor, the Freehold director, you’re other local officials we want to say thank you. And we want to say it loudly and we want to say it often. It’s not enough to simply smile and nod at the tremendous work that’s being done by all of you and then to move on. We also want to thank you for putting your lives on the line. We also want to thank you for putting your lives on the line and making a positive difference in the City of Camden. You’ve not only become role models for the residents, but also for other police forces across the country. As Camden continues to make strides, and as the FBI Director pointed out recently, that there’s a chill wind blowing through law enforcement in this country, where officers do not feel as appreciated or as safe as they need to. I want to make sure that, here in New Jersey, where we’ve seen crime go down twenty percent in the last three years, along with prison population going down ten percent at the same time, that we have a moment in our state where we say thank you to all of you. So for that reason, I will sign, when I’m done speaking here, an executive order that establishes law enforcement appreciation day in New Jersey, which will be this Thursday, November 5th, and every November 5th from this date moving forward. It’s important to do. It’s important for the state to recognize and acknowledge the great sacrifice and contribution all of you are making and as governor I want to help to lead that effort.

Added 3 May 2026