Dennis Cronin, Retired Captain, Old Bridge Police Department, COPLINE Vice President -

Dennis Cronin has been a police officer for 36 years attaining the rank of Captain. He served as Division Commander of the Patrol, Special Operations, Internal Affairs, and Detective Bureau Divisions. He taught at Middlesex County Police Academy and lectured recruits at the Monmouth County Police Academy about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the effects of critical incidents, and the importance of communications with family members. He has twice received his department's second highest award for Valor (Police Star) and numerous Excellent Police Service awards, Outstanding Police service awards, Life-Saving awards, Meritorious Service awards, and Outstanding Service award from the state Fraternal Order of Police. He has received recognition for service by the NJ State Senate, the Assembly, and the Governor's Office. He has also received the prestigious "10-13" Service Award by the N.Y.C. Police Department for his actions during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Living through years of the effects of PTSD brought upon by years of critical incidents throughout his police career, he realized that he too needed counseling. Having commanded a unit of 18 police officers at Ground Zero and seeing the devastating psychological and physical effects on those who served, he felt he could no longer sit on the side line. Dennis believes had he or his peers had the support of a hotline like COPLINE , the depression and physical problems may not have manifested themselves to the degree that they have. Dennis is proud and honored to serve on the Board of COPLINE . He strongly believes in COPLINE and the service it will provide to his fellow police officers in need.