MORRIS COUNTY — On Monday, August 26, a seminar focusing on house of worship safety and security, and active shooter response was held at the Chabad Center of Northwest New Jersey Early Learning Center.
The seminar was presented by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office First Assistant Prosecutor Tom Zelante, Morris County Director of Critical Infrastructure Patrick Owens, Training Coordinator from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Ed Moore, and Lieutenants Peter Reilly and Michael Dachisen of the Rockaway Township Police Department. Rabbi Mordechai Baumgarten, numerous teachers, and office staff from the center were in attendance.
Following First Assistant Prosecutor Zelante’s opening remarks, Director Owens and Training Coordinator Moore provided information concerning important security practices to ensure the safety of their houses of worship, including specific warning signs to be aware of. They also covered the federal and State of New Jersey grants available to houses of worship to help fund new security measures, as well as the security assessments that are available through the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. After the informational session of the program, a question and answer session was held for those in attendance.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp stated, “Education is the important first step in ensuring that all houses of worship and schools throughout Morris County are properly secured. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will continue providing these trainings and security assessments to ensure that all facilities are as safe as possible”, he said.
