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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.

Rest in peace, Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor (EOW May 6, 2026). Trooper Trainor was killed in a collision with a vehicle traveling the wrong way that he was attempting to stop. He was 30 years old and had served with the Massachusetts State Police for three years. He previously served as an Essex County correction officer. Trooper Trainor is survived by his fiancée, mother, sister and three brothers. Kevin, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

Police officers respond to several dangerous situations each day. Though the word “routine” is commonly used to describe a law enforcement response, every cop knows nothing is routine — especially when the call involves an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. There are, however, people in leadership positions who argue that police should not handle incidents involving emotionally disturbed persons. Let’s consider a recent incident in Manhattan’s 33rd Street PATH Station.

A 48-year-old Pennsylvania man was reported to have assaulted two flight attendants and attempted to breach the cockpit on a United Airlines plane that arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 2. The crew of United Airlines Flight 1837, which originated in the Dominican Republic, declared an emergency, with the pilot stating, “United 1837, we are declaring an emergency. It seems like someone just attacked one of our flight attendants,” according to audio from ATC.com. Port Authority Police Officers Luis Santa Cruz, Matthew Armamento and Tan Nguyen met and boarded the aircraft, taking custody of the man after he violently resisted arrest.

On May 2, the Port Authority Police Department Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums Band joined those from the NYPD and FDNY to help Tunnel to Towers send off its Steel Across America Tour at the World Trade Center. A special Tunnel to Towers truck, displaying a 16,000-pound steel beam from the 9/11 World Trade Center — donated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — began its 10,500-mile journey across 21 states, with stops planned in 35 cities. The mission of the T2T Steel Across America Tour during this 25th anniversary year of September 11, 2001, is to remind and educate people about the heroism and sacrifices of 9/11 first responders. The T2T Steel Across America Tour will be on the road through September 2026.

Rest in peace, Crittenden County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Deputy Richard “Rick” Coyle (EOW April 30, 2026). Deputy Coyle succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained on April 2 while serving emergency guardian papers. He and other officers were met with gunfire as they approached the residence. Deputy Coyle was 58 years old and had served with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office for two years. He previously served with the Chicago Police Department for 28 years, where he was a member of the Special Operations Division SWAT Team. It is reported that he participated in approximately 2,000 SWAT missions. He is survived by his wife, sister and nieces. Rick, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.