MORRIS COUNTY — Nick Rafanello, president and chief executive officer of Eastern Janitorialwas among six distinguished Morris County residents honored this week at the 29th Annual Morris County Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinnerhosted by the Patriots’ Path Council, Scouting America.
The annual event recognizes individuals who exemplify in their daily life the ideals that Scouting America has expressed in the Scout Oath and Law for more than 116 years. Honorees are selected for their dedication to worthwhile causes and the impact they have made throughout Morris County.
The event was chaired by Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Sheriff James Gannon and state Senator Anthony Bucco also attended to applaud the individuals whose service and leadership have made lasting contributions to Morris County communities.
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Each honoree received a commemorative plaque from Patriots’ Path Council featuring artwork by Joseph Csatari, the longtime official artist of the Boy Scouts of America and a protégé of Norman Rockwell. Csatari succeeded Rockwell as the organization’s official artist, continuing a Scouting artistic tradition that began with Rockwell in 1912 and carrying it forward through his own memorable illustrations and contributions. Csatari passed away last year at the age of 96.
Honorees also received Morris County Certificates of Honor, along with recognitions presented by Sheriff Gannon and Senator Bucco.
The 2026 honorees included:
·Nick Rafanello, president and chief executive officer of Eastern Janitorial, also introduced by Morris Plains Mayor Karr.
·Col. Patrick Callahan, former superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. Sadly, Col. Callahan was unable to attend following the passing of his father, Major Francis M. “Mick” Callahan, earlier this week. Chief Ambrose recognized both Col. Callahan and his father during the ceremony and read a letter submitted by former Morris County Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Lee Vartan.
·Emerson Crooks, Vietnam veteran and vice president of the Mental Health Association’s Board of Directors, introduced by former Morris County Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of the County College of Morris.
·Rich Hoer, president and chief executive officer of Lakeside Construction, introduced by former Morris County Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Thomas D. Sellaro.
·Thomas J. Mastrangelo, Morris County commissioner, introduced by former Morris County Lifetime Achievement Award recipient John Sette.
·Pam O’Donnell, founder of the Catch You Later Foundation, introduced by Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, a former Morris County Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
The event held on June 3 raised more than $80,000 to support local Scouting programs. Funding helps provide camping and adventure excursions for Scouts requiring financial assistance, as well as Eagle Scout Merit Scholarships for local youth pursuing higher education.
For more information about the Patriots’ Path Council, sponsorship opportunities or upcoming events, visit the official Patriots’ Path Council Scouting America website.
