NJESA Celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner Honoring its Pioneer
The New Jersey Electronic Security Association (NJESA) celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding with a gala dinner on October 5, 2019 at Caesars Palace in Atlantic City. During the evening, the association paid tribute to the “Pioneers of the NJ Security Industry” for their dedication and commitment to the industry though the years.
It all began 50 years ago when three visionaries from the alarm industry. Joseph Cioffi Jr, John Belleque and William C. Pollock came together in December 1969 to form the New Jersey Alarm Association as it was then called.
Each of the three founding members reached out to friends and brought in other companies they knew. The original membership fee was $50, and the association grew by adding members from all over the State. Joseph Cioffi Jr., from Bergen Protective Systems, served as the first president.
At the gala, current NJESA president Christine Marzano welcomed guests to the evening event and shared, “It is a “privilege and honor to be president of this amazing association at this period in our history. As we celebrate our association’s remarkable milestone tonight, we are thrilled that you can share with us as we commemorate our rich history and pay tribute to our distinguished group of Pioneers who continue to inspire us with their passion, commitment and generosity.”
She also added, “I want to express my gratitude for our devoted founders, Joseph Cioffi, Jr., John Bellegue, and William Pollock. These leaders laid a foundation for us to build upon, making the NJESA the special association that it is today.”
Joseph F. Cioffi III, the son of founder Joseph Cioffi, Jr, then provided a brief history of the past 50 years along with a preview of the upcoming changes and new opportunities for the association.
Mike Revness, the attorney for the association, presented the awards. The first category was The Founders Award. As they are no longer with us, both John Belleque and William C. Pollock received the award posthumously. Joseph Cioffi, Jr. was present to receive his award and shared a few words and memories to a standing ovation.
The Outstanding Service Award was presented to: John Drucker, The DiCristina Group; Jerry Duffy, NJ Spectrum; Ken Gould, Ken Gould Consulting; Casey Guagenti; Daniel Jacquish, APS Corp.; Greg Kimball, Protective Services Group; Ted Leventhal, Marktek; Christine Marzano, Kidde/Edwards; Chris Mosley, Complete Security; Charlie Okun, CharlesOkun and Associates; Peter Raymond, PF Raymond; Michael Revness, Kurtz & Revness; Bob Shoremount, Strandberg Solutions; Lew Walters, Affiliated Monitoring; and Jeff Zwirn, IDS Research and Development.
The Legacy Award for Active Association Participation was given to: Bob Chartrand, Chartrand Associates; Lisa Chartrand, Chartrand Associates; John Luzzo, Merchant Alarm; Robert Shipman, B-Safe; and COPS Monitoring.
The final award, Recognition for Distinguished New Jersey Security Industry Achievement, was presented to: Robert Bitton, Supreme Security Systems; Cindy Duffy, NJ Spectrum; Richard Gould, Certified Protection; Don Maden, COPS Monitoring; Jim McMullen, COPS Monitoring; George Mosley, Complete Security Systems; and Pat Tobin, DMP.
New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy sent a letter of congratulations to the association and “applauded NJESA´s professionalism and dedication to the safety and security of our Garden State residents, businesses and government entities.”
He also offered special congratulations to all the award recipients.
The New Jersey State Legislature provided a joint legislative resolution congratulating the New Jersey Electronic Security Association upon its fiftieth anniversary.
The resolution stated that the legislature recognizes that the NJESA is highly esteemed throughout the State for its steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety of the citizenry, businesses, and communities. It added that the strength and success of the State of New Jersey and the effectiveness of our American society depend, in great measure, upon superb organizations, exemplified by the New Jersey Electronic Security Association, whose members shape the future of the security industry.
“The last 50 years have given us plenty of reasons to celebrate," added Marzano. "Our industry has progressed over the past 50 years in all areas especially in technology, integration, life safety and service to our customers. The NJESA has played a large role in the defining moments of the security industry and we are proud of our achievements. There are many challenges, but our future is bright. We are looking forward to the next 50 years!”