HOWELL – Howell Township Police Capt. Thomas Rizzo was officially inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame.
The National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame was created in 2017 to honor and support the law enforcement community. The organization recognizes officers that have gone above and beyond in one way or another in the line of duty.
This year, the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame’s “Founders Award” Inductee was Howell Township Police Department’s very own Capt. Thomas Rizzo.
Rizzo began his law enforcement career in December 2001 as a Patrolman with the Middlesex Borough Police Department. He joined the Howell Township Police in 2004 and is currently serving as the Commander of the Investigations Division.
Rizzo was instrumental in establishing the Howell Township Police Department’s first Criminal Suppression Unit, which focuses on narcotics interdiction, substance abuse/prevention education, and the investigation of violent crimes.
In addition, Rizzo is a professional speaker, author, and instructor. He hosts the television show “On Patrol Live” sharing his in-depth knowledge of policing.
Captain Rizzo is the first police officer from New Jersey to receive an award from this organization.
On April 15, Rizzo received a proclamation from Howell Township’s Governing Body honoring and congratulating him on earning the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame’s “Founders Award.”
“Capt. Rizzo continues a tradition of excellence that runs through the entire Police Department in Howell, making this Township one of the most blessed in the entire state,” the proclamation states.
Rizzo shared the special occasion with family, friends, and fellow officers. He credited the entire Howell Police Department for their support and teamwork.
“To be up here and to pretend as if this is a result of individual effort and to accept an accolade, I’d be a fraud. I look over here, and there are some of the best men and women that I’ve been blessed to serve with,” Rizzo said. “In 2015 we started a crime suppression unit here, and I think the impact that we had on Howell Township could still be felt to this day… It’s just something that’ll forever be a safe place in my heart.”
“I just pray that I’ve a thumbprint on the organization and on the Township. Not because it’s what I should do, it’s because it’s what you deserve,” Rizzo added.
