My name is Delvis Matos. I joined the Newark Police Department on October of 1989. I worked all four of the patrol precincts for most of my career until I was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1998. I also worked a stint at the Prisoner Processing Division as well as at the Property and Evidence Procurement Section. I retired from the Newark Police Department in April of 2015 after 25 years of service. I then joined the Special Police Officers in April of 2016 and am currently serving as a trustee for the Special Police Organization under the leadership of Israel Segarra, our current President.

1978-80, I served in the Military, Army National Guard. 1981, I joined the Newark Police Department and served 38 years to the present, I was assigned to various divisions of the police department from patrol to the Tac Force to Narcotics Division to spending 16 years in the Emergency Services. After retiring from the Newark Police Department, I decided to lateral move to the Special Police Division, where I have been serving the community and my fellow officers. I presently serve as Trustee on the Executive Board of the Special Police Organization of NJ.

My name is Amancio Pereira, I am an Essex County Sheriff Deputy I presently sit on the Executive Board as Trustee for the Special Police Organization of New Jersey. I graduated from the Essex County Police Academy in Cedar Grove. I am a lifelong resident of Newark; New Jersey and I strive to always protect the community to the fullest. My main goal is to make Essex County a safe place to live in.

My name is Vincent Cordi, Trustee for the Special Police Organization of NJ. Here is a brief Bio of me. I started with the Newark Police Department in 1985. I spent 5 years as a patrolman and 21 years in the Detective Bureau. In 1990 I first worked in Night Operations Bureau handling all major incidents occurring overnight. I then spent several years in various divisions of the Newark Police Department, i.e. Robbery Squad, North District Detective Squad, South District Detective Squad, Warrant Squad, Youth Aide Bureau Juvenile Division, Property Room, and Finally the Fugitive Unit. I also served on the Executive Board of the Newark PBA for over 10 years.

I like to now welcome you to the Special Police Organization of NJ. The Organization has so much to offer its members. Under the leadership of Israel Segarra President, the organization is now a recognized throughout the Municipality, its Counties, as well as the State of NJ. Its leadership is taking

the organization in a new and positive direction.

My name is Ricardo Pratt, I’ve been a Special Police Officer since July 2014. I have served in various post and assignments throughout the City of Newark. I currently serve as supervisor for the Newark Housing Authority in their Police/Security Division, serving the housing community and all related institutions. In 2018, I was appointed to the Executive Board of the Special Police Organization of NJ as the Presidential Advisor.

My name is Ricardo Pratt, I’ve been a Special Police Officer since July 2014. I have served in various post and assignments throughout the City of Newark. I currently serve as supervisor for the Newark Housing Authority in their Police/Security Division, serving the housing community and all related institutions. In 2018, I was appointed to the Executive Board of the Special Police Organization of NJ as the Presidential Advisor.

My name is Akhia T. Scott, I am a 45-year-old father of 2 girls and 2 boys with my youngest daughter being my namesake. In 1997 | began my work journey as a Security Officer with Haynes Security Incorporated and in 1999 i transitioned to New Community Corporation as a Security Officer before becoming the youngest Supervisor to date after 9 months. In 2002 l joined the Newark Police Academy's 108th recruit class alongside 21 other recruits to become Newark Special Police Officers. Immediately after I returned to New Community's Police task force and simultaneously joined Newark Housing Authority's Police unit. In 2005 I transitioned to the Newark Board of Education to become a School Resource Officer where I currently stand as the Senior Officer amongst the serving unit. Also, in 2005 I received the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor for dedication and bravery in the line of duty. In 2018 | was humbly honored by being requested to provide Executive Protection for the school districts Superintendent. Throughout the years I have proudly stayed on task with providing protection, guidance, friendship and mentorship to the students and staff members of the Newark Board of Education.

I currently serve as the Chief Shop Steward of Local 1 of the SPO Union of NJ and appointed to the Special Police Organization of NJ in the position of Executive Trustee, under the leadership of Israel Segarra the President.

My name is Kaimu Suggs.  I am a true public safety servant at heart.  I guess you can say I have the best of both worlds.  I currently serve the fire department in The Township of Irvington as the Acting Deputy Fire Chief in command of the Second Platoon (22yrs).  I also serve in The City of Newark as a Special Police Officer (17yrs) throughout The City of Newark.

My accomplishments & duties include:  Fire  Investigator, Fire Instructor, & Fire Inspector. I hold several certifications for Incident Management and Command (Level I, II, & III).  I am also certified in High Angle Rescue.  I served in the Irvington Fire Officer's Local 2004 as the Vice President for 10 years.  I also served as the Fire Officer's President for 2 years.  Currently, I am the newly appointed Secretary for the Special Police Organization of NJ & I look forward to working in conjunction with the Executive Board to accomplish any task set forth.

I am an advocate for encouraging & teaching our youth to be positive productive citizens.  I periodically attend "Career Day" seminar events when they arise to educate the young people of my profession(s) as well.  Lastly, I am the Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) coordinator for the Township of Irvington.  The C.E.R.T. program primarily trains citizens to assist Public Safety Personnel with large scale emergency situations.  It is also geared towards training citizens with self-evacuation & emergency preparedness.

Oscar M. Pannella has been enforcing law and order as an officer with the Newark Special Police Organization of NJ (SPO) since 2014 and has worked under different capacities, gaining comprehensive exposure to various law enforcement assignments including the municipal courthouse. Currently holding the position of Treasurer on the Executive Board of the Special Police Organization of NJ. Oscar is also employed by Verizon, Inc. since 1997. Oscar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Centenary University. Married to his wife Lois of 30 years, in his free time, Oscar enjoys fishing, playing dominos and is a NY Giants fan.

My name is John Silva. I am 56 years old. My parents immigrated to the United States from Portugal in 1974. I was 6 years old, and my younger brother was 3. We settled in Newark NJ and lived there for almost 4 years. My parents purchased a home Kearny, NJ in 1977. This is where we grew up and lived until we married. My parents lived there until they decided to permanently retire, and eventually sold the home. I have an associate degree in business management from Bergen Community College. In my early years I worked in management in the rental car industry. Later, myself my brother and father, opened up a retail seafood business in the town of Kearny. We owned and operated the business for approximately 10 years. After selling the business, I went to work in the truck equipment industry for a large dump truck manufacturer and installer in Newark NJ. My brother went on to become a police officer in the City of Newark. After being with my company for a few years, I was promoted to Vice-President of Sales. I remained with this company from 1996-2022. The owners sold the property in the summer of 2022. After a few months, I accepted a position with a different company in the same industry. The company is based out of Maryland, but I cover the state on NJ for them. I am currently employed full time with this company.

In 2008 I had the opportunity to go into Law Enforcement and do it on a part time basis. I applied and was accepted into the Newark Police Academy to become a Special Police Officer for the City of Newark. I was very proud to have accomplished this at the age of 40. I graduated the academy and have been an active Special Police Officer since then. I have an extensive line of family members in Law Enforcement. My brother just retired from the Newark PD as a Lieutenant. I have a cousin who is a Captain in the New Jersey State Police, and a couple of cousins who are in County and State Corrections, Sheriff’s Officers, and County Police Officers.

I have also been involved in youth sports all my life. I was a basketball coach and soccer coach for many years. Both of my children played soccer and basketball, as did I, and I coached them throughout their childhood years. I am also a USSF Soccer Referee and have been for many years. I officiate high level youth club games, high school games, and some division 2 and 3 college games.

I’m a proud member of Special Police Organization of NJ. This organization is the only recognized organization that represents Special Police Officers across the state of NJ. SPO is also involved in many community-based events throughout the city of Newark. I currently serve as their Business Administrator for the Board of Directors.

Newark Special Police Officer
John Silva

My name is Irene Matos and I was born, raised and attended school in Newark, N.J. I have been married for almost thirty one years and I have three sons, DJ., Brandon, and Jeremy who is ten years old. I obtained a B.A. in education from Kean University in 1993 and an M.A. in Urban Education from Jersey City University in 1999. I am certified in bilingual education, English as a second language, and I obtained a supervisor certificate from NJCU in 2013. I have been an educator for over thirty years and was recently named “Teacher of the Year.”

I consider myself to be an ambitious person who likes to keep busy and be productive. I am currently the site leader of our school’s AVID program. AVID helps students to develop the necessary skills to prepare them for college and for well-paying jobs. I am also one of the coaches for a girl’s program at our school which helps girls to develop a positive self esteem and it empowers them to be the best version of themselves.

As the Community Partnership Coordinator, my goals with the Special Police Organization of NJ is to collaborate with the members and the community in developing a series of profitable fundraiser events, which will enhance their scholarship program funds. “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” -Hellen Keller

My name is Israel Segarra, Sr married to Madelyn Eve Segarra. I am the current President of the Special Police Organization of NJ. Born and raised in the City of Newark, I attended Newark Public Schools from Elementary to High School. Following in my family’s footsteps, I started with the Newark Police Department in 1983. During which time I served as a Police Officer for the Newark Housing Authority. I served in various joint task force to Investigate, identify and arrest individuals known to be involved in illegal activities for the purpose of prosecution.

During my career, I received certifications in various specialized fields.

Passaic County Sheriff’s Academy S.R.O. (School Resource Officer) Wayne, NJ

Subjects Included: Special Education: i.e. Recognizing Autism, Special Need Students, Developing Dialog with Students, High School Gang Activity, Emergency Evacuations, Hostage School Takeover Situations and Bomb Threats. Certified/Certificate

Union County Police Academy NJ C.I.T. (Crisis Intervention Team) Elizabeth, NJ Certified Team Member – Certificates: NJCIT & Medic Alert

Newark Police Department V.C.P.I. Training (Virginia Center for Policing Innovation) Newark, NJ Violence Interdiction (16 hrs.) Certificate.

Passaic County Sheriff Academy NJASRO Training New Jersey Association of School Resource Officer PTC Certification. I was recognition by my peers and elected officials for the dedication to my fellow officers and the community that I serve.

During a span of 36 years in law enforcement, I found myself wanting to be more involved with helping my fellow officers throughout the State of NJ, by joining various law enforcement organizations as well as being the founder of some;

• H.O.P.E. (The Hispanic Organization for Progress and Equality) Founder/President, Newark, NJ
• U.B.S.L.E.O. (United Brotherhood of Special Law Enforcement Officers) Co-Founder / Executive Board - Newark, NJ
• S.P.O. (Special Police Organization) President - Newark, NJ
• Newark Housing Authority - Union of Independent Newark Special Police Local 202 Founder / Union Negotiator - Newark, NJ
• H.L.E.S. (Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of Essex County NJ) Vice President, Newark, NJ

In 2017, I was elected President of the Special Police Organization of NJ. Joined by the newly elected Executive Board, this organization has taken the Special Police of Newark, NJ in a whole new different direction. Our by-Laws have been created to allow Law Enforcement officers from all agencies throughout the State of New Jersey to become a regular member with all rights and privileges afforded to them.

During the first half of our three-year term, this board has registered organizational logo as a trademark to include ownership. Secured A Non-Profit Foundation that is now recognized. Our organization has also, created a Law Enforcement Car Shields that our members display proudly on their car windshield. We have added associated membership to our organization along with their own identifying car shield. We are now the dominating Organization of Special Law Enforcement Officers throughout the State of New Jersey.

SPO of NJ, presently introduced two bills in Trenton, at the NJ Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee as well the NJ Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. Once passed, these two bills alone will elevate the status of Special Law Enforcement Officers throughout the State of NJ.

With so much to offer, other Municipalities of Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers have reached out to SPO of NJ for assistance, guidance and leadership. Our Goal is to become a National Lodge for all municipalities of Special Law Enforcement Officers throughout the state of NJ and become a primary career not just an appointment.

Thank you, God Bless