Congratulations to Port Authority Police Officer Travis Jioia of the PAPD Newark Liberty International Airport Command, recipient of the Essex County Executive Public Safety Valor Award from the 200 Club of Essex County.
Police Officer Jioia was acknowledged for his actions on March 19, 2025, when, while conducting a motor vehicle stop, he detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. He also observed a quantity of marijuana in plain view. After initial contact, the operator put the vehicle in drive and fled. Fearing for the public’s safety, Jioia followed the suspect, who continued to flee until crashing the vehicle on Route 1 and 9 at the Route 21 merge. The operator exited the vehicle and continued to elude Jioia on foot.
Police Officer Jioia was joined by additional Port Authority police officers, resulting in a successful apprehension. Subsequent to the arrest, a .40 caliber handgun with a high-capacity magazine containing 15 rounds of ammunition and a quantity of marijuana packaged for possible distribution were recovered.
The Port Authority PBA thanks Police Officer Travis Jioia for his outstanding work protecting the people of New York, New Jersey and the millions using Port Authority facilities daily.
