Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast
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 our state. From discussions on policy changes and labor rights to personal stories of heroism and resilience, and everything in between, " Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast" offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of those who protect and serve.
Stay informed, stay connected, and stand with us as we work to support our officers and build stronger, safer communities. Tune in every week for new episodes and join the conversation. Your voice matters. Together, we can make a difference.
Episodes
56 episodes
Episode 52 – One Week in Paradise: Reflecting on the 2025 Main Convention
In Episode 52 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo reflects on the 2025 New Jersey State PBA Annual Convention held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The event was a remarkable ble...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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10:21
Episode 51 - Union Voices in a Flash: Running it Back
In Episode 51 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo brings back the popular 'Five in a Flash' segments, featuring quick, candid conversations with various union members. The episode highlights the unique personal...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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10:26
Episode 50 – Behind the Walls: Challenges and Future of County Corrections in NJ
In the 50th episode of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo talks with Benny Lisojo, the president of Hudson County Corrections, PBA Local 109. The conversation dives into the often overlooked yet critical role of county correc...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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38:47
Episode 49 - Five (in a Flash) Rapid-Fire Conversations
In this unique episode of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo features numerous rapid-fire segments showcasing multiple brief interviews with PBA members from Local 300, 33, 287, 83 and 102. Each member shares their personal i...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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11:00
Episode 48 - Elevating Police Training: Vlad Vaval
In Episode 48 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo sits down with Vlad Vaval, a retired officer and former executive board member of PBA Local 304, to discuss the transformative power of police training. Coverin...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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1:04:09
Episode 47 - Facing the Challenges: A Journey From Line of Duty Injury to Disability Advocate
In Episode 47 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo talks to Debbie LaSalle, a retired PBA member and current Local 600 disability retirement liaison. Debbie recounts her traumatic brain injury from a traffic acciden...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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24:43
Episode 46 - Healing After the Ultimate Sacrifice: Garden State C.O.P.S. President Lisa Preslar
In Episode 46 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo highlights the vital support provided by the Garden State Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), an organization dedicated to aiding families of officers who have...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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50:36
Episode S4 - Two for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciatterelli 's Vision for New Jersey
In Episode S4 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo presents part two of the special series Two for the State, which featured gubernatorial candidates addressing our members. Today’s guest is candidate Jack Ci...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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36:59
Episode S3 – Two for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Mikie Sherrill's Vision for New Jersey
In Episode S3 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo introduces a special two-part series, Two for the State, on the upcoming New Jersey gubernatorial election. The podcast provides members with direct access t...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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33:54
Episode 45 - The VCS Open: Uniting Law Enforcement for a Noble Cause
In Episode 45 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo speaks with retired PBA member and current product specialist of VCS software, Mike Babulski, about the 2nd Annual VCS Open at Eagle Oaks Country Club. The e...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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24:38
Episode 44 - Cops and Donuts: Beyond the Stereotype
In Episode 44 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo welcomes Wes Panckeri, state delegate from Monroe PBA Local 255 and chairman of Middlesex/Somerset PBA Conference. The duo, both veteran police officers and foo...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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37:29
Episode 43 - Union Connection & Camaraderie: A Day “LIVE” at Tices Shoal
In Episode 43 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo spotlights the unique and highly anticipated annual Tices Shoal Day. Rizzo is joined by Artie Cronk, a key organizer, who shares how the event fosters genuine c...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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40:18
Episode 42 - Role Reversal with Vinny Rizzo: A Milestone Episode of Reflection for Union Strong
In Episode 42 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo reflects on his first year as Vice President of Communications for the New Jersey State PBA and the evolution of the podcast. Assisted by NJ Cops Magazine found...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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33:10
Episode 41 - Christmas in July: The Santa Response Team Toy Drive
In Episode 41 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo interviews retired police sergeant Don Nicoletti, founder of the Santa Response Team Toy Drive. This episode celebrates 'Christmas in July,' highlighting the sp...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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36:45
Episode 40 - The Cultural Bond of Cigars in Law Enforcement
In Episode 40 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo dives into the cultural significance of cigar smoking within the law enforcement community. Featuring guest Chris Dottino from Parsippany PBA, the episode explo...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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37:09
Episode 39 - Strength in Unity: The Benefits of Networking
In Episode 39 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo converses with John Hanrahan, delegate of North Brunswick PBA, at a large PBA local networking event known as the “Meeting of the Six.” Amidst the backdrop of a...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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23:02
Episode 38 - Remembering Officer Christopher Goodell: A Sister's Tribute
In this heartfelt episode of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo interviews Nicole Goodell, sister of the late Officer Christopher Goodell, a beloved figure who served the Waldwick community in Bergen County with dedi...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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51:53
Episode 37 - The Road Show Hits Essex County
In Episode 37 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo introduces the first signature Road Show episode. The episode features a special visit to the Essex County Conference where delegates discuss the importa...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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11:49
Episode 36 - Sip and Smoke: A Night at the Jersey Shore to Benefit Survivor and Welfare
In Episode 36 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo brings listeners a special on-location event from the Jersey Shore. Broadcasted from The Proving Ground in Highlands, NJ, the podcast captures the essence of the ne...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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31:53
Episode 35 - Financial Fitness 101 for Law Enforcement Officers
In Episode 35 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo engages in a critical conversation with Jim Kompany, chairman of the PFRS Investment Council, about the importance of financial fitness for law enforcement offi...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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34:34
Episode S2 – Digitizing the Locals: West Orange, Hopewell, North Arlington and Hardyston PBAs
In Special Episode S2 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo highlights the impactful work of local and county PBA associations across New Jersey. The episode features four segments with representatives discussing...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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20:54
Episode 34 - Illuminating Lives: The New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
In Episode 34 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo welcomes back Kevin Burke, who discusses the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey. The event brings together over 3,000 officers across ...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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35:01
Episode 33 - Proud to Serve: Bridging Law Enforcement and LGBTQ+ Communities
In Episode 33 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo highlights Pride Month and its significance in honoring the LGBTQ+ community. Vinny is joined by Dave D'Amico and Jeremy “Augie” Auguste, members of the New Jer...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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56:27
Episode 32: From Patrol Cars to Country Music and Honoring Fallen Heroes
In Episode 32 of the Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo engages in two impactful conversations. First, we hear from Frank Ray, a former police officer turned country music star, as he shares his journey...
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25:05
Episode 31 - LIVE From A Day at Trump National Survivor and Welfare Golf Outing
In Episode 31 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo takes listeners through two events. First in segment 1, Vinny talks with Frank Cavallo, the Delegate from Hackensack Local 9 about their annual unique fundraiser, a...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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50:28