Cranford Police Chief Heads Statewide Organization

Next year Cranford Police Chief Eric Mason is not only going to be leading officers in his own department but officers throughout the entire state.

Recently inducted as the next president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Mason understands that he has quite a task ahead of him in light of substantial police layoffs throughout the state. But he says he's up to it.

"While I understand the current budget crisis, I maintain that the last place that municipalities should be cutting is the public safety sector," Mason said.

The mission of the association, which was founded in 1912, is to promote the highest ethical and professional standards in law enforcement. The association sponsors a number of professional training and educational programs for police and law enforcement personnel.

Mason said he hopes to expand those goals despite the fact that the recession has taken a toll on the training budgets in New Jersey's police departments.

"It's even more important (now) that we maintain our professional standards," Mason said.

First elected to a leadership position in the association in 2004 - shortly after becoming chief of the Cranford Police Department in July 2003 - Mason gradually worked through the association's ranks and to first vice-president.  The past president retired, so Mason assumes the position as the next in line.

On June 23 Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow swore him in, inducting him as head of the association.

"It certainly was one of the highlights of my law enforcement career to be selected by my peers to lead their organization," Mason said.

Now Mason is focused on leading the organization forward. He said he's willing to work with anyone to help solve the financial struggles plaguing police departments throughout the state.

When asked if he has any plans to meet with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Mason said there's no meeting scheduled but he would love the opportunity to sit down with the governor. He said he thinks he and Christie agree that funding for local police departments should be salvaged.

"I feel at the heart of it we feel the same way," Mason said.