Essex County's Finest Honor Their Own

Law enforcement officers welcomed their family, friends, and supporters to the Atrium in West Orange recently for a fundraiser to benefit the Essex County Crime Prevention Officers Association (ECCPOA). They came out to aid and support the organization in reaching a number of goals.

Started in 1986 by Don Wactor, who was a Captain at the Orange police department at the time, the organization is currently being re-energized by ECCPOA president and Livingston officer Gary Mankowitz and several of its members.

Dressed to the nines, attendees listened to sounds provided by a DJ and sampled appetizers and Italian and Mexican-inspired food served buffet-style. After a musical performance by two members of the Emerald Society’s Bagpipes and Drums, Desiree Nazarian sang the National Anthem. She is the daughter of the Nazarian family who own the Atrium.

After both performances, Mankowitz addressed the audience to inform them about ECCPOA’s mission. 

“We have a vision and our vision is to grow our organization stronger in New Jersey and Essex County,” he said. “One of the biggest goals we have is education. We would like to have a Web a site that is interactive. It will inform the public about safety and other issues. We also want to build a library that would be county-wide and for intended for all the officers to share.”

Mankowitz then thanked and introduced Wactor to the crowd. Approaching the microphone, Wactor said, “I’m very pleased to see that these officers have kept this going. The work that they’re dong is very important. I look forward to seeing what they do in the future.” In addition to eventually becoming a Sergeant with the Orange police department, he was also a member of the NJ State Crime Prevention Officers Association.

One of the evening’s highlights included award presentations to ECCPOA Officers of the year. Among them were Chief Sheila Byron Lagattuta of the Glen Ridge Police Department. “Thank you for this extremely honorable award,” Lagattuta said upon receiving her recognition. “I wish you much success in your endeavors.”

Detective/Sergeant Louis Cammarata of the Fairfield Police Department was unable to attend the event due to a prior engagement.

Special Agent Doug Collier of the Drug Enforcement Agency was also recognized for his role in establishing Operation Medicine Cabinet, which led to the creation of Operation Take Back NJ.

“As you all know, we do what we do not for the recognition, but for the public,” Collier said. “With that said, I must say that I am honored to receive this recognition and to be in the company of so many dedicated people.”

Mankowtiz also presented the Nazarian family with an award for their assistance to the ECCPOA. Comic performances were offered up by Ryan Thompson and Kevin Dombrowski, who is the son of Caldwell Police Chief Kurt Dombrowski. For more information about the ECCPOA and how you can make a donation, log on to www.eccpoa.org.