Detective Ernest Lijoi Sr. a detective with the City of Quincy, Massachusetts was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. At 17 he enrolled in the United States Air force, and was honorably discharged in 1964. He then married a Girl from Dedham, Massachusetts, the town that became their home for over 35 years.

He graduated from Northeastern University in Boston Massachusetts with a degree in the Science of Law Enforcement. He also completed courses of instruction in narcotics and dangerous drug laws given by the United States Department Of justice and was awarded a certificate by the powers of the Attorney General of the United States of America.

During his career he was awarded numerous commendations for his actions as a detective and undercover officer.

Detective Ernest Lijoi Sr. became well known as a deep undercover investigator under the guise of Eddie Pannoni.