Retired Union Co. Sergeant Gets National Award For Lifetime Work

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A retired police sergeant from Kenilworth has received a national lifetime achievement award from Law Enforcement Against Drugs.

While on the police force, Sgt. Anthony Manderichio spent five years training officers on a program outlined by LEAD to prevent children from becoming addicted to drugs and violence.

“It is a program that is not only accepted by police officers, educators and parents but by the children it is being taught to as well,” Manderichio said.

The point is to also allow children to create a closer connection to local police officers, according to the organization.

“By having a meaningful experience with police officers due to LEAD, children are more likely to talk to them about problems they are going through or even just become less afraid,” Manderichio said. “While students K-12 take up a large part of the program, children’s teachers and parents become involved as well, which also helps to change their outlook on the police force in a positive fashion.”

Nick DeMauro, executive director and chief executive officer of LEAD, praised Manderichio for his service.

"Sergeant Manderichio is a dedicated member of our family, and we commend him on demonstrating lifetime achievement in promoting school-based policing and police community relations,” DeMauro said.