Left to Right: James Perkins, Mercer County Commander – Trenton Legion Post 182; Sherrylee Govoni, Americanism Committee Chair – Stone Harbor Post 331; Mrs. Elizabeth Udijohn, mother of the honoree; Det. James Udijohn; and Roger Genaro, NJ American Legion Department Commander.

Each year, the NJ American Legion gives its State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to a well-rounded officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of his or her position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of professional achievement.

This year’s NJ American Legion Officer of the Year is Mercer County Sheriff’s, Detective James Udijohn.

The annual award was presented recently at the Legion’s statewide convention.

James Udijohn has been a Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer since 2007.

His current rank is that of Detective. He is one of the Sheriff’s Office’s most respected, decorated, and highly trained law enforcement officers. He is jointly assigned to the United States Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force. Detective Udijohn has received numerous prestigious awards and letters of commendation throughout his career. He is the previous recipient of citations and awards for Meritorious Service, Gallantry, Exceptional Service, Chief’s Commendations, and Unit Citations. The NJ State PBA has honored him for valor in 2015 and in the same year was named Officer of the Year by NY/NJ United States Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force. In 2016, he was selected Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer of the Year. In addition, to graduating from the police academy, he has received high-level training from FEMA for complex incident management and from the U. S. Marshal’s Service tactical and high-risk operations programs.

“Jim Udijohn is a model law enforcement officer with an impeccable and exemplary record of public service,” said Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler. “I know that Jim and our great county are grateful to the NJ American Legion for this honor,” Kemler added.

The American Legion’s Department of New Jersey Americanism Committee selected Detective Udijohn from a pool of nominees from around the state. The awards presentation took place on Thursday, June 8, at the Wildwood Convention Center.