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Retired Drug-Fighting Rutherford Police Sergeant Honored By Felician

RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A retired veteran Rutherford police sergeant who headed a successful D.A.R.E. program before continuing his work keeping kids off drugs statewide will be honored with an Alumni Achievement Award at Felician University next month.

Nicholas Loizzi Jr.

Nicholas Loizzi Jr.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Loizzi Jr.

"What an incredible honor," Nicholas Loizzi Jr. said. "I'm very humbled and grateful to have even been considered for it."

Also being honored by Felician President Dr. Anne M. Prisco and our Alumni Association Board at the Oct. 15 brunch on the Rutherford campus are recent graduate Melissa Bilecky ('14) and Sister Mary Teresa Soltys ('86).

"Nick" Loizzi Jr., of Wantage, retired from the Rutherford force in December 2012 after nearly 25½ years.

He implemented D.A.R.E. in the borough for a decade and also chaired the Municipal Alliance Committee for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse for eight years.

Loizzi, who recently became the alcoholism and drug abuse director for the Sussex County Department of Social Services, was appointed last fall to the Government Advisory Board of Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) in New Jersey.

His mission is to help create the next generation of drug-prevention programs for law enforcement in the schools.

Judy Forman of the Bergen County Department of Health Services described Loizzi as "responsible, professional, detail-oriented and an advocate" for wellness who is "always willing to share successes."

Barbara Obiedzinski of the Rutherford Downtown Partnership once wrote that he was "a very trustworthy officer" who "always went above and beyond to understand a situation."

Former Bergen County Sheriff Leo McGuire called him "a professional dedicated to providing excellent service to the citizens."

The honors will be presented at the Felician Alumni Awards Reception on Saturday, Oct. 15 during the school's Homecoming and Family Weekend. It begins with brunch at 11 a.m.

The event is free.

REGISTER HERE: https://giving.felician.edu/events/alumni-brunch

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