Mercer County Sheriff's Officer Earns Prestigious Honor

Mercer County Sheriff s Detective James Udijohn has been recognized as the New Jersey American Legion’s State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, the Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday morning. The award is presented to o a well-rounded officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of his or her position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of professional achievement. It was presented during this year’s statewide convention on June 8 at the Wildwood Convention Center.

He was selected from a pool of nominees from around the state by the American Legion’s Department of New Jersey Americanism Committee.

“Jim Udijohn is a model law enforcement officer with an impeccable and exemplary record of public service,” Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler said. “I know that Jim and our great county are grateful to the NJ American Legion for this honor.”

Udijohn joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2007, and is one of the office’s most respected, decorated, and highly trained law enforcement officers, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He is jointly assigned to the United States Marshal s Regional Fugitive Task Force. He has received numerous prestigious awards and letters of commendation throughout his career.

He previously received awards for Meritorious Service, Gallantry, Exceptional Service, Chief s Commendations, and Unit Citations. In 2015, he was honored for Valor by the New Jersey State PBA and was named Officer of the Year by NY/NJ United States Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force. In 2016, he was selected Mercer County Sheriff s Officer of the Year.

In addition, to graduating from the police academy, he has received high-level training from FEMA for complex incident management and from the U. S. Marshal s Service tactical and high-risk operations programs.

The attached image was provided by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Left to Right: James Perkins, Mercer County Commander - Trenton Legion Post 182; Sherrylee Govoni, Americanism Committee Chair Stone Harbor Post 331; Mrs. Elizabeth Udijohn, mother of the honoree; Det. James Udijohn; and Roger Genaro, NJ American Legion Department Commander.