At last week's meeting of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, they celebrated Italian Heritage Month by honoring local Italian Americans.  Among the honorees was was Bloomfield Public Safety Director Samuel DeMaio.   

DeMaio began his career in law enforcement in 1986, following in his father's footsteps and joining the Newark Police Department.Throughout his 28 year career in Newark, he ascended through the ranks from patrolman to Police Director.  He was also involved in the creation of the Essex County Major Crimes Task Force and was an active participant in the FBI's Violent Crime Task Force as well.