Patrick Colligan, one of the state’s most politically influential law enforcement union leaders, will retire as president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association on May 1 after 31 years in law enforcement and eleven years as president.
Colligan has been a staunch advocate for police officers and was a forceful critic of Gov. Chris Christie’s battles with public employee unions. When Christie ran for president in 2016, Colligan went to New Hampshire and sparred with him, proudly embracing Christie’s label of him as a “pension pig. He later raised money for the PBA Survivor & Welfare Fund by holding a pig roast.
Today, Colligan is considerably more popular among Republican lawmakers than Christie. Candidates from both parties have consistently sought his advice and endorsement.
“I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey,” said Colligan. “From my early days with the Franklin Police Department to the challenges we faced together at the NJSPBA including a global pandemic and the most difficult time in modern policing, serving our membership has been my absolute privilege.
Colligan played a key role in securing autonomy for the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System.
“To my family, our members, our executive board, and all who stood by me—your support has been the foundation of our achievements. Thank you for your trust, support, and the privilege of leading my brothers and sisters of the NJSPBA.,” stated Colligan. “This has been a truly amazing and gratifying ride! I never took one moment for granted.”
It’s not immediately clear who will replace Colligan, although the union’s executive vice president, Peter Andreyev, is a likely candidate.