East Brunswick Officer Commended For Opiate Initiative Program

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — An East Brunswick police officer was honored by the New Jersey Attorney General Monday for his work building important ties with the community. Patrol Officer Craig Hoover was recognized for his work running East Brunswick's Opiate Initiative Program, a resource for East Brunswick residents and their families battling opiate addiction. The program puts residents in touch with treatment centers and personnel who help them fight addiction and drug dependency.

Since January 2016, there have been over 35 outreach contacts, and thanks to Hoover's efforts, the program has exceeded a 50 percent success rate. Hoover is the coordinator and manager of the program.

East Brunswick's Opiate Initiative Program has been recognized as a model program in New Jersey, and the Attorney General is asking other police departments to model similar initiatives after East Brunswick's.

Hoover was one of only four officers statewide invited to speak in a panel discussion Monday on "Building Lasting Relationships to the Community."

Hoover’s duties also include staff training, recruitment, internships, and community presentations. In addition to his regular assignments, he instructs in-service programs both at the Union County Police Academy and the Middlesex County Police Training Center.

Hoover is a 16-year veteran of the East Brunswick force. He holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from American Public University where he graduated with high honors. Patrolman Hoover is a devoted husband and a father of two teenage daughters. He spends much of his free time with his family. He is an active member of Policeman’s Benevolent Association #145 and American Legion Joyce Kilmer Post #0025. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Sergeant.

From left to right: East Brunswick police Capt. Kevin F. Zebro, East Brunswick Police Chief James Conroy, New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and Patrolman Craig Hoover.