DeMaio Receiving Humanitarian Award

Samuel DeMaio, director of the Newark Police Department, will receive the humanitarian award from the Columbian Foundation at its 71st annual dinner Saturday in Whippany.

The foundation, an Italian-American philanthropic organization founded by Newark-area community leaders in 1941, is honoring DeMaio, a second-generation member of Newark law enforcement who joined the force in 1986. During the next 25 years, DeMaio rose through the ranks, serving in such posts as precinct commander, chief of detectives and chief of operations before being named director of the department in 2011 by Mayor Cory Booker. The appointment was unanimously approved by the Newark Municipal Council.

DeMaio has been credited with reorganizing the department and reinstating the aviation, mounted, motorcycle, marine, community affairs and other units. In his first year as director, there have been significant reductions in shootings and murders despite reduced levels of manpower due to budget cutbacks.

“I congratulate Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio on receiving the Columbian Foundation’s Humanitarian and Achievement Award for 2012. Samuel DeMaio defines the spirit and character of Newark at its very best,” Booker said in a statement. “He is a lifelong police officer who rose through the ranks by exemplifying honor, courage, ethics, and commitment to the highest leadership position in the department.” 

DeMaio and his wife, Sue, have three children: Samantha, 18; Antonia, 16; and Carmine, 14.