the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Secaucus NJ, on Tuesday, 3/16/21, New Jersey Transit Police Officers Dioguardi, Romano, and Lieutenant Sperlazza were on patrol at Secaucus Junction Station. The officers responded to a report of a male child traveling alone on train 1122. They found that the child, who is autistic, would not communicate with the train crew.
The officers used a calming verbal approach and encouraged the child to accompany them to the police office. There, to urge further communication, Officer Dioguardi gave the child his pen and paper. The officers encouraged him to draw pictures and include his family and contact information. Ultimately, this combination of hand drawn pictures and conversation provided all the information the officers needed.
NJTPD Police Dispatchers ultimately confirmed that the 12-year-old child was reported missing out of Clifton NJ. He was turned over to Clifton Police and was safely reunited with his family. While these NJTPD officers did not seek any recognition, both officers commented, “He’s a great kid, and a really good artist.”