2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a member of the national body in honor of the recipient’s dedication, efforts, service and visionary guidance in being a catalyst for the improvement of the national body which has brought about significant change in the quality of service to both its community and membership.
Dwight Bailey retired after eighteen (18) years with the Roselle Police Department. During his time with the Department, he received numerous awards from PBA #99 for exceptional service in the line of duty.
He was named Officer of The Year by the Union County Prosecutors Office in 1990 and was commended for his cooperation in “Operation Heat Wave”, which ended with the execution of sixty-two (62) arrest warrants and three (3) search warrants.
He was promoted to Detective in 1985 where he assisted in the apprehension of Gene Wasson for the murder of his daughter’s boyfriend, a case that was featured on the television show “America’s Most Wanted.”
Not happy being inside, Dwight requested to be back on patrol, his first love. Bobby, as he is known, should be named “Officer Friendly”, and is loved by everyone. All the kids refer to him as “Uncle Bobby”, whether they are family or not.
Dwight has also been recognized by the New Jersey Council of Chartered Members of the National Black Police Association with their Earl Wallace Award in 2013, and was awarded the Presidents Award of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, Inc. (NABLEO) in 2014. On November 11, 2018, he received recognition from the City of Linden, NJ in appreciation of his service in the United States Army at the rank of Sergeant E-5 during the Vietnam Era.
Dwight is a member of BATONS, Inc. where he serves on their board; the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 779 of America, where he serves as recording secretary; the New Jersey Council of the Black Police Officers Association where he serves as recording secretary and has been married to his lifelong friend Leila for 43 years. They are the parents of Michael, Jennifer, and Dwight, Jr., daughter-in-law Courtney, and six lovable grandchildren.