Hoboken Police Officer Saves Man's Life, Wins State Award

HOBOKEN, NJ — After a man went missing last year, a Hoboken police officer stepped up to save his life. Now, that officer has been singled out for a statewide Valor award.

The Hoboken Police Department, and Chief Steven Aguiar, congratulated Officer Ramon Calderon last week on receiving the New Jersey State Chief's of Police Association Valor Award.

A police spokeswoman, Marci Rubin, said Calderon was recognized for his response to an incident on Oct. 12, 2023.

In that incident, a family reported a missing adult member who was experiencing a mental health crisis, Rubin said.

"After a lengthy on-scene investigation, Officer Calderon located the individual who produced a large folding knife and began to harm himself," Rubin said. "Officer Calderon used his training, experience, and leadership skills to instruct his partner to distract the individual, while he safely took the man into protective custody."

Rubin noted, "During the initial response and investigation, Officer Calderon remained respectful and empathetic to the individual. When the knife was produced and the scene quickly intensified, he exercised restraint and critical thinking to de-escalate the dangerous and chaotic situation.

"Officer Calderon demonstrated exceptional heroism showing a genuine commitment to the law enforcement profession, the Hoboken Police Department, and the public at large."

Calderon was the sole Hoboken recipient ot he statewide award this year. It was presented at the Association's induction ceremony last week.

Law enforcement executives from across the State, including State Attorney General Matthew Platkin, attended.

Calderon joined the Hoboken Police Department in July of 2006 and is currently assigned as a Motorcycle Officer in the Traffic Unit.

He is a member of the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team assigned to the Crisis Negotiation Team, and holds numerous police training certifications.

The police said on social media last week: