In selecting Salem County for the honor, the state FOP president cited the lodge members' activism and support of community organizations.
PENNSVILLE TWP. -- "Over and above."
That kind of commitment to its members and the local community is why Salem County Fraternal Order of Police Old Oak Lodge No. 6 has been named New Jersey FOP Lodge of the Year.
"This has always been a very active lodge and they have always done things properly," said Robert W. Fox, president of the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police.
It is Fox, after reviewing the nominations, who makes the final decision which of the 152 FOP lodges in the state will receive the honor.
And this isn't the first time the Salem County lodge is receiving the award. It was named Lodge of the Year in 2010.
Since the award was created in 1998 only two lodges in the state -- Salem County and Willingboro -- have been recognized twice.
The award was presented recently during the state FOP conference.
Lt. Bob Gant, lodge president, said that earning the award wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of lodge members and the support of the community for the lodge.
"We really have to thank the public. The public deserves to share in this recognition. Without them this wouldn't be possible."
Fox said the lodge's advocacy for its law enforcement members and the support its members show for community causes was key to earning the award.
"They have been continuously fighting for the rights of police officers and corrections officers," Fox said. They have always been out front (of issues) and gone over and above."
He cited the Salem County FOP's participation in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Jersey Shore which raises funds for Special Olympics.
Fox also noted how the FOP helped lead the opposition to a plan by Salem County freeholders to privatize county 911 and jail nursing services.
The FOP also lead a successful petition drive to get two questions on the fall ballot -- one to cut the number of freeholders and another to cut the salaries of those that remain.
Salem County FOP hosts Toys for Tots event
The lodge is also the scene of the annual Police Memorial Service, a solemn May event which honors officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Salem County lodge was chartered in April 1951. Originally housed in what was described as a "log cabin," the members worked hard to raise the money for the modern building the lodge now calls home on South Broadway in Pennsville.
While the FOP rents its facilities for various functions, it also donates space to non-profit organizations.
One of of them is The Arc of Salem County. The organization, which serves residents with disabilities and their families, uses the lodge for its annual appreciation dinner.
"For many years they have helped us," said Patricia Irwin, executive director of The Arc.
"We appreciate their support. It's nice to know they are behind us and if we were to call they would help us out."
The charitable efforts by the lodge are many.
Along with the Polar Bear Plunge, the Salem County FOP also supports other non-profit events such as Relay For Life, the Salem County Marine Corps' Toys For Tots Program, TRIAD and blood drives.
"To me it was nice to have this acceptance and recognition from our state body. It tells us what we are doing we are doing it well and representing our membership correctly," Gant said.
"It shows that all of the work that our members have put in has made a difference."
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.