Stephen Petruzzello - Law Enforcement Fatality - New Jersey

Stephen Petruzzello

Special Police Officer Stephen Petruzzello, age 22, died in the line of duty on December 29, 2014, at a hospital in New Jersey.

Officer Petruzzello was a member of the Cliffside Park Police Department. He had 1 month of service.

On December 27, 2014, Stephen and another officer, Thaier Abdallah, were on foot patrol and were crossing a street in Cliffside Park at about 6:30 p.m. when both men were struck by an SUV.

Both officers were rushed to a nearby hospital. Stephen lived for two days but tragically succumbed to severe head injuries. The other officer's injuries were not life-threatening.

The driver of the SUV is Anie Kalayjian, age 62, of Cliffside Park. She is a professor at Columbia University. She has stated that she did not see the officers that she struck and that they were wearing black clothing with no reflectors. She has been issued several traffic citations in connection with this tragedy.

A reminder to all Drivers: The Pedestrian always has the right of way. It doesn't

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray for
Stephen and for those
who have lost him.

matter if they are 100 years old and are crawling down the street on a walker in the pitch dark or are 7 years old and are playing ball on the street right in the middle of your path. They still have the right of way. Wake up and respect those on the street. They are on foot.  You are the one in the 4,000 pound death machine.  Think about it.

Regret can last a lifetime.

Stephen had just graduated from the Police Academy. He intended to graduate in Criminology from Bergen Community College in 2015.

The Cliffside Park Police Department is in mourning over the death of their young brother. He is described as a dedicated officer and a future leader. He will be forever remembered.

Stephen's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was a good kid who tried his best.  His family are very proud of him. He will be forever mourned.

Stephen is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including but not limited to his father, Ronnie.

Thank you for your service to the community, Stephen. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die young.  They barely had a chance to live.

God save us from all Drivers - the drunk drivers, the doped up drivers, the distracted drivers, the angry drivers, the texting drivers, the sleeping drivers and the cell-phone chatting drivers.  They are killing us, Father. Amen.

Pray that Stephen is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.