Long Valley Partners Collaborate For Police Jiu Jitsu

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Residents, a support group for veterans and businesses have collaborated to help train Washington Township Police officers in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

The idea was sparked, according to the police department, when Sgt. Mike Hade had a conversation with resident Brian Parkes about ways officers can be trained, to help them de-escalate situations better. The idea of Jiu Jitsu training was brought up as a way to help maintain focus during stressful situations, as well as fundraising ideas for this type of training.

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Parkes then called friend and co-worker Ret. Lt. Col. Robert Vicci, who lives in Long Valley, about the idea, with Vicci the CEO of VetREST.

That organization helps veterans battling Post-traumatic stress disorder, with Vicci a West Point graduate and veteran who served as an Army Blackhawk Pilot and Commander, as well as in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Vicci and his wife Nanette, who owns Nanette’s Hair Salon, spoke to their friends Claudia and Chris, who own Edison Pizza, he a veteran, retired police officer and Jiu Jitsu instructor.

On Nov. 29, a $2,000 donation was presented to Gael Force Jiu Jitsu for the training, with PBA Local 301 presenting a donation to VetREST and plaque to both the group and Alex Kennedy of Gael Force, for supporting the training. See more photos below of the presentations:

Police Chief Jeffrey Almer thanked those who fundraised and spoke about how proud he is of Washington Township's officers.

"He [Almer] stated that the department works hard to promote de-escalation tactics, and training like this ensures that the officers are confident in their capabilities and are prepared, which will minimize use of force situations," the police department reported.

The funds raised so far will help train six officers in Jiu Jitsu through 2022.

Find out more about VetREST here at www.vetrest.org.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a local news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.