Middlesex Co. Prosecutor Named 2024 Paige D. L’Hommedieu Award Winner

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Middlesex County Prosecutor, Yolanda Ciccone, has been named the 2024 Paige D. L’Hommedieu Award recipient by Middlesex College.

Ciccone became the first woman to serve as Middlesex County Prosecutor.

The award, established in 1974, recognizes community leadership and is the highest honor given by the College. The award was presented during Fall Convocation on Monday.

Ciccone has spent 44 years serving Middlesex County — first as an assistant prosecutor, where she acted as chief of the Juvenile Division and advisor to the Narcotics and Gambling Task Force, and oversaw the Hate Crimes Task Force, among other duties—and then as a Superior Court Judge in the civil, criminal, and family divisions.

In 2006, she was appointed as the Assignment Judge for Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties—the first woman in this role.

Ciccone began her five-year term as Middlesex County Prosecutor in 2020.

“Prosecutor Ciccone is a pioneer who has spent her entire professional career in the court system, dedicated to public safety and thoughtfully leading local law enforcement,” Middlesex College President Mark McCormick said.

“Her commitment to serve the residents of Middlesex County exemplifies the spirit of the L’Hommedieu Award—citizenship, leadership, and humanity.”

Under Ciccone’s leadership, several programs have been launched with significant impact on improving the lives of Middlesex County residents, including Blue Cares, an addiction support hotline, and Safe Place, which designates local safe havens for anyone experiencing a bias crime, discrimination, or harassment.

Other programs serve to improve responses to 911 calls, including Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE), which pairs New Jersey law enforcement with mental health professionals to respond to calls relating to mental or behavioral health emergencies.

The latest initiative established by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, a Special Needs Registry, informs first responders of a registrant’s special needs, such as physical or mental impairment.

“I am honored for this recognition by the Middlesex College Board of Trustees,” Ciccone said. “This award is an acknowledgment of the work of the men and women of Middlesex County Law Enforcement, and to their dedication to enhance the quality of life with empathy and sensitivity.”

Ciccone earned her law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, NJ, and is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

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