Golden Gloves Finals Unite First Responders and Community Across New Jersey and New York
/By: The Blue Magazine Editorial Team
Haledon, NJ — March 28, 2026 The New Jersey Golden Gloves State Finals Elite Division Championship drew more than 240 attendees to La Neve’s Banquet Hall, bringing together first responders, law enforcement officers, and community leaders from across New Jersey and New York for an evening of championship boxing and community recognition.
“This wasn’t just a boxing event,” said Daniel Del Valle, founder of The Blue Magazine and Moment of Silence. “It brought first responders and the community into the same room built on respect, discipline, and shared purpose.”
Presented by Moment of Silence, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of law enforcement, first responders, and veterans, and The Blue Magazine, one of the nation’s leading law enforcement magazines, grounded in independent journalism, the event was held in partnership with the New Jersey Golden Gloves organization, led by President Dan Doyle, whose leadership continues to uphold the tradition and standards of amateur boxing throughout the state.
A special acknowledgment is extended to True Warriors Boxing (Paterson, NJ), whose leadership was instrumental in organizing the championship and connecting key partners. Led by Jose Concepcion, the organization is also recognized for its ongoing work mentoring and training youth in Paterson through boxing.
“This was one of the best boxing events I’ve ever been a part of,” said Jose Concepcion of True Warriors Boxing. “Thank you to Moment of Silence, The Blue Magazine, and the New Jersey Golden Gloves for bringing together such a strong and well-executed event.”
The evening was supported by Weitz & Luxenberg, a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, acknowledged for its continued commitment to supporting first responders and the communities they serve.
A Championship Setting for the event, La Neve’s Banquet Hall (276 Belmont Ave, Haledon, NJ) was transformed into a full boxing venue, with a regulation ring installed within the ballroom. Inside the ring, fighters delivered disciplined, competitive performances throughout the night, reflecting the preparation and respect that define the Golden Gloves tradition. Outside the ring, families, friends, and supporters filled the venue, bringing together first responders and the community.
The event combined a professional boxing environment with a community-driven program, reflecting the growing connection between public safety professionals and the communities they serve.
Recognition and Participation attendees included members of law enforcement agencies and leadership from across New Jersey and New York, representing local, county, and state departments. A special thank you is extended to the New Jersey State Police for their presence and continued service. The Bergen County Police Pipes and Drums performed as part of the opening ceremony. The national anthem was performed by Alyssa Del Valle, a junior journalist with The Blue Magazine, alongside Trooper II Michael Basti of the New Jersey State Police (158th Class).
Honorees Recognized as part of the ceremony, the Blue Awards were presented to individuals and organizations recognized for leadership, service, and commitment:
Captain Andrew Bryant — Haledon Fire Department
Chief Alejandro Alicea — Paterson Fire Department
Chief Tom Bakker Jr. — Haledon Fire Department
President Frank Lozada — Paterson Fire Department
President Omar Zadeh & Haledon PBA Local #349 — Haledon Police Department
President Angel Jimenez & Paterson PBA Local #1 — Paterson Police Department
Joe Imperatrice — Co-Founder, Blue Lives Matter
Michael Johnson — Mayor of Haledon, New Jersey
Dr. N. Bill Aydin, MD, FACS — Aydin Plastic Surgery
Weitz & Luxenberg — Recognized for outstanding support of the first responder community
Sal LaRosa — Owner, La Neve’s Banquet Hall
Each honoree was recognized for their continued leadership, dedication, and service.
A Shared Purpose while the championship delivered a competitive night of boxing, the event brought first responders and the community together in one room. About the hosts Moment of Silence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers, first responders, and veterans.
The Blue Magazine is one of the nation’s leading law enforcement magazines, grounded in independent journalism and focused on documenting the real stories, perspectives, and experiences of those who serve.
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