SOUTH BRUNSWICK – In a sign of unity for his fellow officers, South Brunswick Police Sgt. Robert “Jay” Jairdullo will take the roughly 240-mile ride to Washington, D.C., during the Police Unity Tour.
The 43-year-old patrol sergeant has been with the department for 17 years. He has been assigned to the Detective Bureau; as a school resource officer; as an instructor for firearms, straight baton and defensive tactics; and as a domestic violence liaison. He is a current physical training instructor.
He will be the sole rider from the South Brunswick Police Department to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during National Police Week in May.
“I have been doing the Police Unity Tour for the last seven or eight years. I believe the physical challenge of riding from New Jersey to D.C. is a small price to pay to honor the officers, as well as their families, who have been killed in the line of duty. Also, the money raised goes towards the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum which ensures the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten. Like the slogan says, ‘We ride for those who died.’”
The chapter Jairdullo rides with will leave from Franklin Township Police headquarters, traveling approximately 240 miles from Somerset to Washington. Day one rides about 85 miles to Philadelphia, day two travels about 104 miles to Baltimore and then day three finishes the last 50-mile stretch to D.C.
To train for the extensive trip, Jairdullo said he does not change his routine specifically for the ride.
“My training consists of mostly weight lifting and cross-training. Most years, the first time I get on my bicycle is the first day of the ride. It’s just as much a mental challenge as it is physical,” he said.
Jairdullo said this is an important mission, especially considering today’s society.
“It’s no secret that not everyone in today’s society wants to see a police officer in their neighborhood; however, I think no matter how people feel about police officers or what experiences they’ve had in the past with officers, when they see hundreds of bicyclists, all wearing blue jerseys, riding through their neighborhood and find out why we ride, they cheer us on. It’s a moment when we all put whatever bad feelings, experiences, etc., behind us and come together to appreciate the sacrifices the fallen officers have made. It brings everyone a little closer,” he said.
To further show his community spirit, Jairdullo has participated in the Special Olympics New Jersey Torch Run and Polar Bear Plunge multiple times throughout his career. He also has participated in the Sept. 11 Memorial 12- and 24-hour endurance events held by GORUCK.
“I know it’s kind of a cliché, but as police officers we serve and protect the community; but more importantly, we are part of the community. When officers participate in the community both in and out of uniform, the other community members see us for what we are: people who care for the community just as much as they do. It builds trust, respect and a healthy relationship. There needs to be a mutual respect between the public and the police which, in turn, will lead to cooperation when something tragic occurs,” Jairdullo said.
Sgt. Richard H. Schwarz, 46, has participated in the ride three prior times, but cannot attend this year. The 21-year South Brunswick Police veteran has been a detective, bike unit sergeant, patrol sergeant and detective sergeant.
He has participated in the Challenge Ride, which is Chapter VII of the Police Unity Tour. It is at a faster pace and a little tougher route, specifically more hills.
“[T]he training is pretty intense. You are required to keep pace or they make you drop out and get in to a van. How do you prepare for a 270-something-mile bike ride? I start riding the stationary bike in the gym over the winter and then when the weather warms up I get outside and ride usually three or four times a week. As it gets closer to the Unity Tour date I increase the distances of my rides. A lot of times I would ride with other riders of the tour so you can get used to riding in a group.”
The Torch Run for Special Olympics participant said the Unity Tour is important to honor and respect fellow fallen officers.
“I am a strong believer in being involved in the community – and not only when you are working and in uniform. This allows the community to see another side of you. The community gets to see you as a ‘normal person’ and not just that ‘cop’ in a uniform. This is a great way to earn the communities’ trust and open up avenues to work with them in solving problems together,” Schwarz said.
To help Jairdullo fundraise for the trip, visit secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=4031915&langPref=en-CA
Contact Jennifer Amato at [email protected].