History

In 1966, a group of business leaders – some of them still active today – organized the first 200 Club in New Jersey. The organization was started out of the awareness of our founders that the public’s need for safety, security and protection could only be assured through the dedication to duty, courageous vigilance and selflessness of those who wear the public safety uniform.

From that beginning, there are now seventeen 200 Clubs throughout the State, each of them committed to the principle that “We care for those who care for us.”

Its sole purpose is to help provide for dependents of police and firefighters in Essex County and state troopers in New Jersey who lose their lives in the line of duty by way of a cash stipend to the surviving spouse or dependent with no conditions and by providing educational assistance to each surviving child prior to its 26th birthday.

Annually, The Club holds a Valor Awards luncheon where it pays tribute to a number of brave Essex County police officers, Essex County firefighters and NJ State Troopers who distinguished themselves by acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. The Valor Award recipients receive a cash award, an engraved medallion, and a 200 Club Valor ribbon to be worn on their uniform.

John P. McLaughlin Award Recipient Arthur S. Guida, former 200 Club President and former Director of External Affairs for PSE&G, presented on May 5, 2016.

In addition, the Club may present the John P. McLaughlin award to an individual for his/her many years of dedicated service to the Club and community. The John P. McLaughlin award, named after one of the Club’s former presidents, consists of an engraved Waterford Crystal bowl and a contribution to a charity of the recipient’s choice.