Staff Sergeant TJ Lobraico, Jr. Award in Homeland Security Graduate Studies
About the Award
This award, named in honor of Western Connecticut State University student TJ Lobraico, Jr., in 2024, is given to the graduating student who has maintained the highest academic standing in the Master’s degree program in Homeland Security and meets the qualities of integrity and public service epitomized by SSgt. Lobraico.TJ, a 2008 New Fairfield High School graduate, attended Western Connecticut State University as a JLA major and aspired to continue his public service as a police officer. As an airman, TJ followed the family legacy of military service that began with his grandparents and continued with his parents, Todd and Linda.
SSgt. TJ Lobraico, Jr, USAF, was killed in action in September 2013 while serving active duty in Afghanistan with the United States Air Force. During a night foot patrol, TJ interrupted an enemy IED team and prevented an ambush that would have cost American service member lives. In the ensuing firefight between enemy forces, TJ was killed in action by small arms fire. He became the first killed-in-action casualty from Stewart Air Base since the Vietnam War.
List of Award Winners:
Cohort 1 winner: Lisa Palazzi
Lisa Palazzi was part of the first cohort of the Homeland Security Master’s program at WCSU from 2022 to 2024. A native of New Jersey, Lisa lives in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, where she works as a firefighter-EMT. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Pace University while balancing her time as a volunteer firefighter and a full-time job at a dog training facility specializing in behavioral training. After graduating, Lisa launched her career in contract firefighting, which took her to locations as remote as Antarctica. During her time at WCSU, she continued to advance her firefighting expertise, earning six additional certifications in various specialties in 2023. When she’s not pursuing academic excellence, Lisa enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with friends, but she is often distracted by any animal that crosses her path.”