Lodi police captain, a longtime officer, coach and BOE member, dies
LODI – A 31-year veteran of the borough’s police force died on Sunday at the age of 55, according to a post on the department’s social media.
“It is with extreme grief and sadness that the Lodi Police Department informs you of the passing of active duty and senior officer, Captain Robert Salerno,” the post states.
Salerno worked as the division commander for the records bureau and had a “vast knowledge of law enforcement” and a great memory.
“To say the least, the loss of our friend and mentor will leave a huge hole in our department as well as our hearts,” the post states. “We ask that you pray for Capt. Salerno, the Salerno family, and his friends during this extreme loss and hardship. We at the PD are simply devastated at the loss of our colleague and friend. May you Rest In Peace sir. We will take it from here.”
Salerno was a true public servant. In addition to working in the department, Salerno was a volunteer for the Lodi Fire Department and Lodi Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Squad. He also served on the Board of Education in nearby Hasbrouck Heights. He coached Little League, Babe Ruth baseball and was a contributor for the Aviator football program.
“Captain Salerno has been the heart and soul of this department for over 31 years," Chief Donald Scorzetti said. "He loves the Lodi Police Department and all with whom he has worked with. It is going to be impossible to fill his shoes.”
The department did not state a cause of death but the family is calling for memorial contributions to be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
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The department has banded together in support of the Salerno family before. In 2015, the family household was damaged in a fire. One of their dogs died and most of their personal items were lost. The police union rallied for the family and raised more than $5,000 to help them get back on their feet.
Check back for more on this developing story.
Katie Sobko is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: sobko@northjersey.com
Twitter: @katesobko
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Lodi NJ police Capt. Robert Salerno dies, department pays tribute
