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
37 episodes
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
Episode 30 – State of the Union with NJSPBA Leadership: One Year In PART 2 of 2
In Episode 30 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo and NJ COPS magazine founder Mitchell Krugel conclude the State of the Union: One Year In short series by diving deeper into the key issues facing the New Je...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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29:15
Episode S1 – "Digitizing the Locals" Initiative: Atlantic City and Hudson County Prosecutor's Office PBAs
In the inaugural Special Episode of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo introduces a special segment called Digitizing the Locals, focusing on local and county-level activities. The episode features interviews ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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12:13
Episode 29 – State of the Union with NJSPBA Leadership: One Year In PART 1 of 2
In Episode 29 of Union Strong: NJSPBA Voices Podcast, host Vinny Rizzo and NJ COPS magazine founder Mitchell Krugel sit down with New Jersey State PBA President Peter Andreyev and Executive Vice President Michael Freeman to reflect on ...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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29:43
Episode 28 - Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness in Law Enforcement
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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53:12
Episode 27 – Supporting NJSPBA's Survivor and Welfare Fund: A Conversation with Pete and Mike
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 prov...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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22:19
Episode 26 - Honoring the Fallen: A Journey with the Police Unity Tour
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 exper...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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47:39
Episode 25 - Revolutionizing First Responder Healthcare: A Sit-down with Chris Deacon and Kevin Lyons
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 he...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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57:00
Episode 24 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Jon Bramnick (R)
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 participat...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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24:04
Episode 23 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli (R)
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 pri...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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36:04
Episode 22 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Sweeney (D)
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, inclu...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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26:28
Episode 21 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Mikie Sherrill (D)
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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28:36
Episode 20 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Sean Spiller (D)
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 th...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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34:08
Episode 19 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Josh Gottheimer (D)
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 sess...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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34:31
Episode 18 - Seven for the State: Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Spadea (R)
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 candid...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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48:06
Episode 17 - Building a Stronger Police Force: Open Communication between Chiefs and Officers
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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42:46
Episode 16 - Union Strong: “Live” from the Hard Rock Mini Convention
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 throug...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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26:06
Episode 15 - Victory! Exploring the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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32:55
Episode 14 - Behind the Scenes of the NJSPBA Conventions
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 organiz...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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26:10
Episode 13 - Diving Into the Special Olympics: The Polar Bear Plunge
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 celebrati...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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29:37