Essex County Chiefs of Police Honor Donald Shauger – Patch.com

by Alexandra Gakos

In an incredible honor, Donald Shauger, Executive Vice President of The Shauger Group, received the Distinguished Service Award (Civilian) from the Essex County Association of Chiefs of Police. The association, which is composed of 34 chiefs of police throughout Essex County, gives out the award annually to a civilian who distinguishes himself or herself in contributing to the community.

West Orange Chief James Abbott presented Shauger with the award at this year’s annual Essex County Chiefs of Police Dinner Dance, which was held on December 12, 2019, at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

The evening began with a cocktail hour, which was followed by the ceremony and awards presentation. In total, four awards were presented: Municipal Law Enforcement Executive of the Year (awarded to Chief Anthony G. Manna); Excellence in Policing (awarded to Operation Hope, West Orange Police Department); Distinguished Service Award (Sworn) (awarded to Captain William Boggier, Orange Police Department); and Distinguished Service Award (Civilian) (awarded to Donald Shauger).

The program also included the induction of the new officers for 2020–2021 for the Essex County Chiefs of Police Association: Sheila Byron-Lagattuta (President); Darnell Henry (First Vice President); Phyllis Bindi (Second Vice President); James Bongiorno (Corresponding Secretary); Anthony G. Manna (Recording Secretary); and James Spango (Treasurer). Outgoing Association President Mark Deuer, who is the Chief of the North Caldwell Police Department, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.

In a touching gesture, funds were raised throughout the evening for the family of Detective Joseph Seals, one of the victims who tragically lost his life in the shooting in Jersey City just two days before. Over $1,300 was raised for Detective Seals’ family by the attendees at the Chiefs of Police Dinner Dance; as the fundraising total was declared, Donald Shauger made a surprise announcement, pledging he would match the evening’s donation amount and bring the grand total to over $2,600.