WOPD reps give aid in Puerto Rico

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Two West Orange police officers recently spent two weeks in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico as part of “Operation NJ Pride,” according to a recent press release from the township.

Police Officer Jeffrey James and Detective Sebastian de Leon were among 50 law enforcement personnel from state and local agencies who traveled to the island to assist in recovery efforts.

The pair, who were part of a traffic detail, said it was an emotional experience to see the hardships suffered by Puerto Rico residents and spoke of the selflessness of the Puerto Rican people, many of whom lost everything.

“People were very generous; they don’t have much but they were very appreciative we were there,” de Leon said, adding that residents would hand out water to officers on duty.

The pair went down to the island on Nov. 18 and returned Dec. 2.

  Puerto Rico, West Orange Police Department