08/17/2026
We Were Honored to “Show Up” for Patti 💚
As Chief of Police, I could not be prouder of the commitment our officers demonstrated on August 15 as the Chatham Borough Police Department hosted the NJ Chiefs Association’s Goal Zero statewide traffic safety campaign in memory of Patti Smith Barrett.
For me, this day was about much more than traffic enforcement. It was about honoring Patti’s memory through action—working to prevent another family from experiencing the devastating loss caused by distracted and dangerous driving.
For the full 24-hour period, our officers placed an increased emphasis on distracted, careless, reckless, and other dangerous driving behaviors. From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. alone, our dedicated Goal Zero detail conducted 73 motor vehicle stops and issued 44 summonses for dangerous driving behaviors—including 25 summonses for illegal cell phone use. Our Patrol officers supported the initiative before, during, and after the dedicated detail, extending our commitment throughout the entire day.
But enforcement was only part of our mission. Every driver we stopped received a Goal Zero flyer explaining why we were out there and, most importantly, who we were honoring. We wanted every encounter to be an opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and remind drivers that the decisions we make behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences.
I was particularly encouraged by the response we received. Every driver we encountered was respectful and receptive to the message—even those who received a summons. That meant a great deal to us because it reinforced what this campaign is truly about. The goal was never simply to write tickets; it was to change behavior, prevent crashes, and save lives in Patti’s memory.
I want to personally recognize and thank the members who worked alongside me on our dedicated detail—A/Lt. Jayson Cittrich, Det. Joe Crecca, Traffic Safety Officer Kyle Czerniak, and Officer Greg Bersey—as well as our Patrol officers and dispatchers from the Morris County Communications Center who contributed throughout the day. I am extremely proud of the professionalism, energy, and commitment they brought to this effort.
We were also proud to stand alongside officers from surrounding municipalities and law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey who participated in Goal Zero. The message even traveled beyond our state. After seeing our campaign, Garden City, New York, joined the effort and assigned officers to conduct Goal Zero enforcement in their community. Seeing Patti’s story inspire action beyond New Jersey demonstrates just how far one important message can travel.
I also want to personally thank the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police for allowing us to honor Patti by selecting her memory as the focus of this statewide detail. Behind every traffic fatality is a family, friends, and a community whose lives are forever changed. If Patti’s story causes someone to put down their phone, slow down, pay attention, or make a safer decision behind the wheel, then her memory continues to protect others.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day for me came when our officers and I visited Dan Barrett and his family at their Chatham Borough home. Dan spoke with us about the profound impact this campaign has had and what it means to see Patti remembered through an effort intended to save lives.
Dan was wearing a “Show Up” shirt and presented us with “Show Up” hats. The growing Show Up Project carries a simple but powerful message: show up for one another, help others, and make a difference—in Patti’s memory.
That message stayed with me throughout the day.
On August 15, we showed up.
We showed up for Dan and his family.
We showed up for traffic safety.
We showed up alongside law enforcement officers across New Jersey and beyond.
And most importantly, we were honored to Show Up for Patti!
As Chief, I am incredibly proud of our officers and grateful to everyone who joined this effort. Enforcement was an important part of the day, but the real measure of success will be the crashes that never happen, the injuries that are prevented, and the families who never receive the devastating news that the Barrett family received.
That is why we Show Up. That is why Patti’s memory matters. And that is why our commitment to Goal Zero continues. Please...drive carefully!
Chief Brian K. Gibbons
Chatham Borough Police Department
