More Than a Game

The bonds between Gray Bees and New Jersey State Troopers have only gotten stronger since Building Bridges began in 2021 as a response to growing national tensions between law enforcement and communities of color. The success of the program is one that Acting Superintendent Lt. Col. Jeanne Hengemuhle has witnessed firsthand. “We have worked hard to develop these relationships,” said Lt. Col. Hengemuhle, who was an early participant in Building Bridges and played in the program’s first volleyball match in 2023. “We need to keep those connections tight and solid, so we can come back and talk to the people of Newark and build those relationships to keep the state safe.” 

The fourth annual volleyball match between the Girls Prep Division and female troopers took place on March 17 during Women’s History Month. The Troopers bested the girls, 2-1.