Attorney General Platkin Announces Recipients of 2025 Excellence in Policing Awards

New Award Honors Sgt. Joseph Azcona as NJ Recognizes 2025 Excellence in Policing Recipients

TRENTON, NJ — In a solemn and celebratory ceremony held during National Police Week, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Policing Awards, including the debut of a new honor named for Sergeant Joseph Azcona of Newark, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year.

The Sgt. Joseph Azcona Bravery Award, created to commemorate the fallen officer’s courage and sacrifice, was presented to the Newark Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section, part of its Major Crimes Division. The unit was recognized for its role in advancing intelligence-led efforts to reduce gun violence in Newark. Sgt. Azcona, who was 26 years old, was shot and killed on March 8, 2025, during an active criminal investigation.

“Every day across New Jersey, police officers and law enforcement personnel encounter situations that most of us would never dream of facing,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The young women and men that join the ranks of law enforcement, whether in our State’s cities or rural areas, never know what each shift will bring. And yet, they show up every day to bravely serve their communities. In New Jersey, we are using data to drive down gun violence to record lows, to ensure not just the safety of the public, but also the safety of officers who must respond to all incidents with professionalism and courage.”

Other major awards presented at the ceremony included:

Detective Joseph Seals Valor Award

• Officer Manuel Rodriguez, Elizabeth Police Department
  Recognized for exceptional bravery in pursuing an armed suspect alone on November 6, 2024, Rodriguez’s pursuit led to the safe apprehension of the individual without injury to anyone involved.

Pablo Santiago Resiliency Award

• Detective Brad Waudby, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

• Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Renee White, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  Both recipients were recognized for outstanding efforts in mental health advocacy and officer wellness training statewide.

Attorney General’s Initiative Award

• Prosecutor’s Offices of Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union Counties
  These offices were honored for developing the ARRIVE Critical Incident Model, which pairs mental health professionals with tactical teams during crisis incidents to reduce harm and arrests.

Outstanding Community Partnership Award

• Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  For leading the Challenge Day Initiative in all county high schools, fostering student engagement and trust in law enforcement.

• William “Bill” Schievella, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office & Saint Elizabeth University
  Recognized for sustained efforts to build law enforcement-community relations and promote diversity in policing.

Police Chaplain of the Year

• Chaplain Shelly Bell, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office

• Rev. Monsignor Eugene “Geno” Sylva, Paterson Police Department
  Both honored for emotional and spiritual support services that uplift officers and community members alike.

Outstanding Youth Engagement Award

• Lt. Sharon Easton, Paterson Police Department
  Praised for revitalizing community engagement through school programs, anti-violence initiatives, and leadership conferences.

• Sgt. Taylor Ensmann & Oakley, Secaucus Police Department
  This unique officer-canine team supports youth with anxiety and connects with the broader community through outreach events.

Attorney General’s Leadership Award

• Rev. Derrick L. Green, Interfaith Action Movement
  Honored for founding IAM, which bridges faith-based and community organizations to address systemic inequities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

The Excellence in Policing Awards, first established in 2019, aim to highlight the work of officers and agencies who go beyond traditional law enforcement duties to build safer, more connected communities throughout New Jersey. The awards coincide with National Police Week, established by President John F. Kennedy to honor fallen officers nationwide.