On April 1, 2025, the Woodbridge (NJ) Police Department and Members of the City Council held a formal press conference to formally congratulate fourteen-year-old Gabrielle Tonelli for her outstanding design of a police magnet that will be placed on Woodbridge patrol cars to help celebrate Autism Awareness Month.
Ms. Tonelli is the daughter of NPDF Associate Member James Tonelli and the granddaughter of NPDF Founders Angela and Joseph Occhipinti.
According to a Woodbridge Police Facebook posting “This beautifully crafted magnet will be featured on all marked Woodbridge Police vehicles. Dating back 130 Years, this is the very first time that something designed by a child will be placed on their patrol cars”.
In addition, Ms. Tonelli was presented with a formal “Proclamation” for her community service and outstanding artistic talents. It is with great pride that Ms. Tonelli will also receive the “Operation Kids-Special Achievement Award”.
