Meet Leonard (Leo) Lugo

Over a 20-year career, Leonard “Leo” Lugo has distinguished himself as a true law enforcement professional. He has held numerous roles and has been involved in career development programs throughout the course of his career. Currently, Leo serves as a Platoon Supervisor for the Westfield Police Department in the Town of Westfield, New Jersey. He provides supervisory support for the department, and as a certified instructor is an integral part in the education of next-generation police professionals.

A Career in Law Enforcement

A native of New Jersey, Leo Lugo attended William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University, then was accepted into the police academy operated by the City of Paterson Police Department. Even at this early stage in his law enforcement career, Leo stood out as an individual with a bright future ahead.

Mr. Lugo’s first role as a law enforcement professional was as a patrol officer with the City of Paterson PD. He served the department until 2001, when he transferred to the Westfield Police Department. In 2013, he was selected by the Westfield Chief of Police to be the Bureau Commander for the agency’s Detective Bureau. His record as a police officer and his aptitude for criminal investigations were identified as valuable attributes for this assignment. Prior to his appointment as the Bureau Commander, Leo was the second in command, serving as the Detective Sergeant and gaining important supervisory experience.

Supervisory work was not Mr. Lugo’s only contribution to the Westfield Police Department. In addition to working with the Detective Bureau, Leo served as the department’s Counterterrorism Coordinator and as an Assistant Commander for the agency’s Emergency Response Unit. Eventually, he was chosen to represent Westfield in a regional initiative, serving as the team Leader for the Union County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Crisis and Hostage Negotiations unit. He undertook this role as a highly-trained professional, and provided 10 years of service to the unit,.

In 2018, Leo Lugo chose to direct his focus on shaping the new generation of police officers. He left the Detective Bureau and became a Platoon Supervisor, a role he is ideally suited for. Mr. Lugo continues to bring his formidable skills as an investigator, supervisor, and instructor to bear as the Platoon Supervisor, and the Westfield PD is enriched by his efforts.

Professional Development

During his career with the City of Paterson, the Town of Westfield, and with Union County, Leo Lugo has had the opportunity to attend a wide range of professional development programs, giving him the tools and training he has used to make a difference in the communities in which he has served. In addition to his university education and police academy program, he has been professionally certified as:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Basic SWAT Officer

• Police Training Commission Firearms and Rifle Instructor Certification

• National Tactical Officers Association SWAT Command

• FBI Hostage Negotiator Certification

• Department of Homeland Security Command-level Incident Command and Supervision Program

He provides his experience to the next generation of law enforcement professionals as an educator. Mr. Lugo works as an instructor for the Methods of Instruction program at the Union County Police Academy. As a PTC firearms instructor, he has trained new officers on firearms, including pistol and rifle proficiency. Leo Lugo’s work and education are a testament to his commitment of making his community a better and safer place to live.