William Braker – District 3
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William C. Braker has served five terms as freeholder on the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He chairs the County Government Oversight and Policy Review Committee and the Transportation Committee. The Freeholder also serves on the following committees: Hudson County Improvement Authority; as Alternate on the Hudson County Planning Board; Purchasing; Task Force on Homeless; and Women and Minority Affairs.
In 1991, Vice Chairperson Braker was the first African American to be appointed as Chairperson to fulfill the one-month unexpired position left when Freeholder Kenneth Blane left the Board. In 1992, Freeholder Braker was duly re-elected, and then became the first African American elected as Board Chairperson. At that time, Freeholder Chairperson Braker was the first African American ever to be elected to a third term as freeholder of District 3. He won his first election in 1987.
Given his extensive background in the Jersey City Police Department, the Freeholder was named 1999 chairperson of the Public Safety & Department of Corrections Committee. Freeholder Braker also serves on three committees: County Government Oversight & Policy Review; Ethics; and Women & Minority Affairs.
Establishing the Hudson County Office of Minority & Women Business Enterprise in 1989 is considered one of the hallmarks of Bill Braker’s career as freeholder. In 1994, Freeholder Braker, along with the County Executive, accepted the NACo Award for Excellence for having the Most Outstanding Minority & Women Business Enterprise program.
A multi-decorated 30-year veteran who rose through the ranks of the Jersey City Police Department, Freeholder Braker was appointed Deputy Police Director in October, 1997.
The Deputy Police Director holds the rank of Lieutenant and has been in the department since 1970. He has served in the Tactical Squad, the Administration Division, and the Patrol Division. Lt. Braker was awarded the P.O.B.A. Valor Award for saving a woman’s life, and the N.A.A.C.P.’s Sgt. James Simpkins Award for outstanding police work. He has been the recipient of nearly every major award bestowed by the Jersey City Police Department. Deputy Police Director Braker also has served as the Commander of the Jersey City Police Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit.
He is founder and standard-bearer of the William C. Braker Civic Association, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Hudson County residents.
