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Lodi honors police officers with annual awards; mayor praises department
Summary
At its April 21 meeting, the Borough of Lodi recognized multiple Lodi Police Department members for life‑saving actions, apprehensions and meritorious service. Sergeant Javier Hernandez presented awards including Officer Romero (Officer of the Year) and two life‑saving citations; Mayor Luna praised the department’s work.
Mayor Luna and the Borough Council opened their April 21 meeting by recognizing members of the Lodi Police Department for several notable actions and sustained service.
"It's truly an honor to stand here this evening as we recognize the outstanding men and women of our Police Department," said Sergeant Javier Hernandez of the Community Relations Division, who presented the awards. Hernandez said the department’s work allowed “us to continue serving our community at the highest level.”
Officer Romero was named Police Officer of the Year for 2025. According to the presentation, Romero responded to over 2,000 calls for service in 2025, made roughly 200 motor vehicle stops, issued more than 800 summonses, completed 72 investigative reports and made nine arrests. "His commitment to excellence is evident not only in his daily performance, but in the way he carries himself both on and off duty," Hernandez said.
A Life Saving Award was presented to Officers Attillo and Jojeska for their May 16, 2025 response to a welfare check involving an individual who attempted suicide; officers applied a tourniquet, rendered first aid and coordinated with medical responders. Hernandez said their actions “directly contributed to the individual’s survival.”
The council also recognized a multi‑officer Apprehension Award tied to a September 20, 2025 incident in which detectives and patrol officers identified parties involved after a reported armed chase, and a Unit Citation for detectives and patrol personnel who investigated and arrested two juveniles following a March 29, 2025 stabbing at Memorial Park.
Merit Service Awards were given to Sergeant Cordero and Sergeant Piper for investigative work beginning Feb. 2, 2025, that contributed to an arrest in an out‑of‑borough homicide; the presentation credited those sergeants with conducting interviews, coordinating with outside agencies and advancing the investigation.
Mayor Luna, in brief remarks, thanked officers for their service and support of the council. "Since I became mayor maybe seven years ago, I've been extremely proud of this police department," Luna said.
The recognition portion concluded with photographs and informal remarks from attendees. The council recessed briefly before returning to routine business later in the evening.
