Essex Chiefs Association Endorses Christie

Gov. Chris Christie accepted the endorsement of the Association of Chiefs of Police of Essex County Friday surrounded by law enforcement officials at the Essex County College Police Academy in Cedar Grove.

The association, which represents the 22 municipalities in Essex, voted unanimously last month to endorse the governor in his bid for re-election, said President Michael Bramhall, police chief of West Caldwell. 

“Your conviction and forthrightness have been a welcome and needed addition to our state,” Bramhall said. “You have performed great under pressure situations like Hurricane Irene and superstorm Sandy. We believe that you will continue to put the needs of the citizens of New Jersey first."

Christie seeks a second term and is the presumed Republican nominee. He is expected to face Democratic State Sen. Barbara Buono in the November election.

The governor accepted the nomination at a brief press conference, saying he has strong bonds in Essex after serving as U.S. Attorney General for New Jersey for seven years. 

"I’m thrilled to be here with the chiefs today so many of them, as I said, I worked with over the years," Christie said. "I’m glad that those friendships have remained strong."

Bramhall later said the association endorsed Christie in his initial run for governor.

Chiefs from Newark to North Caldwell attended Friday's press conference.

Both the National Coalition of Latino Officers and the New Jersey Career Fire Chief’s Association have endorsed Christie in recent months, according to the governor's campaign website.