MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.
“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This bill provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and promotes educational opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”
The legislation, S-3901, would permit students to be eligible for credits in health, safety, and physical education for completing a course at a county fire academy, provided they meet certain criteria.“Firefighting is a skilled profession that is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities,” Bucco added. “This bill enables students to receive their education while simultaneously serving as vital public servants.”To receive credits, a student must be between 16 and 18 years old, complete an examination to become a junior firefighter, and volunteer at their local fire department for two years.
Senate Clears Pennacchio/Bucco Bill that Would Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses
Marotta Controls Named Lockheed Martin Elite Supplier
PARSIPPANY — Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing Aerospace and Defense supplier, announced that it received the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) Elite Supplier Award today. This accolade takes into consideration a variety of factors, including delivery of reliable, quality parts, products, and services on time and at competitive prices; the alignment of supplier’s values with Lockheed Martin values; and the supplier’s track record of proactively solving problems. Marotta Controls’ Marine Business Unit is among 37 suppliers receiving this honor; honorees represent the top one percent of suppliers supporting the RMS business area.
“This most recent award acknowledges the strength of our long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin as a whole in which trust, collaboration, and on-time/on-budget delivery have been standard practices, across divisions and programs,” said Bill Dimas, Vice President, Business Development, Marotta Controls. “Our work with the RMS division extends our commitment to Lockheed’s success, and our designation as an Elite Supplier recognizes the hard work and dedication that goes into ensuring that we deliver on our promises – every time.”
Marotta’s Elite Supplier Award accomplishment is a result of Marotta’s contributions to the Aegis Combat System, the Navy’s most modern surface combat system. It was designed as a complete system: the missile launching element, the computer programs, the radar, and the displays are fully integrated to work together. This makes the Aegis system the first fully integrated combat system built to defend against advanced air and surface threats. Marotta has supplied three vital parts for Aegis:
- Marotta’s Automatic Source Transfer Valve (ASTV) system provides digital control of chilled water from the main supply lines to mission-critical enclosures (MCE)
- Marotta’s Integrated Electronic Controller (IEC) was developed to modernize auxiliary control functions within shipboard Mission Critical Enclosures (MCE)
- Marotta’s MFV12 Motor Operated Valve Series provides proportional control of chilled water flow to ensure stable temperature control of the electronics within each Mission Critical Enclosure (MCE)
Marotta designs, develops, manufactures, and qualifies high-performance motion and flow control solutions for surface ships, submarines, and deep submergence vessels. The company’s components and systems meet stringent naval requirements and MIL standards for shock, vibration, low acoustic signature, and resistance to seawater corrosion. Having pioneered next-generation technologies that use advanced materials and embedded electronics, Marotta has reduced these critical parts’ weight, life cycle cost, size, and corrosion sensitivity.
Marotta has invested heavily in its relationship with Lockheed Martin. Over the past 13 years, the partnership has yielded:
- The development of 20+ new products
- Delivery of 40,000+ units
- 6 franchise production programs
- 18 current programs (11 development programs and 7 production programs)
For more information about the Marotta Controls marine system capabilities click here.
Ami Balli Named to Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Hofstra University
PARSIPPANY — Ami Balli, a graduate of Morris Hills High School, excelled during the Fall 2023 semester at Hofstra, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean’s List. Ami’s major is Psychology.
Hofstra University is a dynamic community of nearly 11,000 students dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence, and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.
Students can choose from approximately 175 undergraduate program options and 200 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Newark Man Faces Multiple Charges Including Human Trafficking and Child Endangerment
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chief Thomas Miller of the Chatham Township Police Department have confirmed the charging of Nafis H. Wiggins, 25, of Newark.
Wiggins faces a litany of charges, including two counts of Human Trafficking (a first-degree crime), two counts of Luring (a second-degree crime), five counts of Sexual Assault (a second-degree crime), two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a third-degree crime), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) with Intent to Distribute (a third-degree crime), and Possession of a CDS (a third-degree crime) under N.J.S.A. statutes.
The charges stem from alleged actions between August 1 and September 28, 2023, during which Wiggins is accused of providing narcotics to two victims, aged 14 and 15, in exchange for sexual favors. He reportedly recruited and lured the minors through text messages. On several occasions, it is alleged that Wiggins met with the victims in Chatham Township and Chatham Borough, later transporting them in his vehicle to more isolated locations for drug use and sexual activities.
Wiggins was apprehended on December 19, 2023, at Cougar Field in Chatham Township, where he was found in possession of a controlled substance.
Following a detention hearing in compliance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Individuals with information on this investigation are urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.
Prosecutor Carroll expresses gratitude to the Chatham Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their diligent efforts in the investigation and arrest.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
Collision on Littleton Road Involving Elderly Driver Results in Hospitalization
PARSIPPANY — On Friday, December 22, at 11:13 a.m., a collision occurred when Ms. Anna Greenlees, 76, attempted to make a left turn from Brooklawn Drive onto Littleton Road (Route 202). The incident involved Mr. Tyrone Stevens, who was traveling south on Littleton Road.
During the collision, Ms. Greenlees’ vehicle struck the curb and veered off the roadway to the right, coming to a rest at that location. According to Ms. Greenlees, her attention was focused on the right, and she did not notice the approaching Mohawk Carpet Distribution tractor-trailer when she initiated her left turn onto Littleton Road. On the other hand, Mr. Stevens reported that he was driving straight on Littleton Road and observed Ms. Greenlees turning in front of him. He attempted to swerve but ultimately collided with her vehicle.
The investigating Parsippany-Troy Police Officer, Sean Golden, determined that Ms. Greenlees was at fault for the accident, citing her failure to yield the right of way and driver inattention as contributing factors.
Following the collision, Ms. Greenlees was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital with injuries of unknown severity.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by C&L Towing.
As of the time of this report, no summonses had been issued in connection with the incident.
Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw was Elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw was elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board of Trustees at the January 8 meeting.
“I thank my fellow Board members for electing me and I look forward to serving on the Executive Committee,” Commissioner Shaw said. “The NJTPA provides a vital regional perspective on transportation issues, whether supporting the key role that freight plays in our local economy or prioritizing funding for much-needed local safety improvements, like those the county is studying for East Main Street/Mendham Road in Mendham Borough and Mendham Township and South Morris Street in the Town of Dover.”
The NJTPA oversees regional transportation planning and annually authorizes more than $1 billion in federal surface transportation funding for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey.
The Executive Committee provides guidance and leadership to the full Board on a wide range of planning, policy, and administrative issues. It meets as needed to review financial, personnel, and policy matters. Board membership is an uncompensated position.
Commissioner Shaw has been in office since 2019 and joined the NJTPA Board in 2023, following the retirement of Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, who had previously represented the county on the board. This is his first time serving on the Executive Committee. He has also served as a member of the Planning & Economic Development Committee.
At the meeting, the NJTPA Board also selected four other members of its Executive Committee. The elected members of the Executive Committee are Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, chair; Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, first vice-chair; and Warren County Commissioner Jason Sarnoski, second vice-chair. Following the bylaws, Chairman John W. Bartlett appointed Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski to the position of third vice-chair.
The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers, and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. It establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects.
The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the 13 counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren), and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a Governor’s Representative, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT, the Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a Citizen’s Representative appointed by the Governor.
Parsippany Man Arrested for Drunk Driving After Colliding with Parked Vehicle
PARSIPPANY — In a recent incident on Saturday, December 30 at 5:32 p.m. at Tivoli Gardens on Parsippany Boulevard, Bipin Patel, found himself in legal trouble after colliding with a parked vehicle. The details of the incident unfolded as follows:
Ms. Elizabeth Foster, the owner of the parked vehicle, a blue 2013 GMC Sierra, reported the crash. She claimed that Mr. Patel, who was driving a 2006 Black Honda CRV, collided with her truck. Upon police arrival, Patrolman Sean Abrusci observed the Honda parked diagonally across two parking spots.
Ms. Foster mentioned smelling alcohol on Mr. Patel’s breath and noted that he had attempted to back away from the accident multiple times before parking diagonally. This led the officer to approach Mr. Patel, who was still seated in his vehicle and detect the strong scent of alcohol.
During the subsequent conversation, Mr. Patel initially stated that a flat tire caused the accident but later admitted to using his cellphone’s GPS while driving. When questioned about his destination, he mentioned making a delivery and then said he was returning from work.
The officer noticed bloodshot and watery eyes and asked Mr. Patel to turn off the vehicle and step out. Mr. Patel’s impaired ability to stand, marked by swaying and staggering, led the officer to request backup.
Sergeant Edward Conklin arrived at the scene, and Patrolman Abrusci proceeded to conduct standard field sobriety tests, which Mr. Patel failed. Frustrated, Mr. Patel eventually confessed to being intoxicated.
Following his admission, Mr. Patel was transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters, where he was read his Miranda rights. During questioning, he admitted to buying and consuming a bottle of Bacardi from a local liquor store in the parking lot before driving.
An ALCOTEST (breath alcohol test) revealed Mr. Patel had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .24%, well above the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey.
As a result of the incident, Mr. Patel faces several charges, including Operating Under the Influence (39:4-50), Reckless Driving (39:4-96), Use of a hand-held wireless telephone (39:4-97.3), and Traffic on marked lanes (39:4-88).
A witness also reported seeing Mr. Patel swerving in the northbound lane of Parsippany Boulevard.
Mr. Patel was released to a friend who read and signed the “John’s Law.”
He is scheduled to appear at Parsippany Municipal Court to address the charges filed against him.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Daniel Garcia Accepted for Enrollment at Palmer College of Chiropractic
PARSIPPANY — Daniel Garcia, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2018, has been accepted for enrollment for the 2023 summer trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.
In May 2022, Daniel successfully completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to read the magazine.
Garden Savings Federal Credit Union Announces Certification of Two Team Members as Financial Counselors
PARSIPPANY — Garden Savings Federal Credit Union announced the certification of two of its team members as financial counselors.
The newly certified counselors are Stephanie Parise, and Leandra Lopes who have completed the CUNA Credit Union Financial Counseling Program offered through the CrossState Credit Union Association.
Stephanie Parise, Branch Manager of Parsippany Branch.
With these two new certified financial counselors, Garden Savings FCU now boasts six certified financial counselors, with at least one available at each branch. This expanded team is well-equipped to offer personalized financial guidance and support to members seeking to gain control of their finances and address challenging financial issues.
Garden Savings Federal Credit Union is located at 129 Littleton Road.
Garden Savings Federal Credit Union is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to read the magazine.
Morris County Government Undergoes Restructuring for 2024
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers was sworn in for a year-long term as director of the seven-member Board of County Commissioners tonight, following swearing-in ceremonies for Commissioner Tayfun Selen and County Clerk Ann F. Grossi.
Commissioner Myers was sworn in as Director of the Board by her nephew, attorney Robert Ferguson III, as the Commissioner’s husband, Stan Gorski, held the bible.
“This board is committed again this year to meet with our local leaders and nonprofits to address the challenges and work together on concrete solutions to foster a greater engagement. The timing is right – because we have a unique milestone approaching that offers a phenomenal opportunity for volunteerism and collaboration: the 250th Anniversary of our Independence. It is a chance to re-engage our community, properly honor our national heritage, and boost our tourism and local economy,” said Director Myers.
Stephen H. Shaw will serve as deputy director for 2024. The commissioners elect the director and deputy director from among themselves.
Commissioner Shaw, who served as director in 2021, was sworn in as deputy director of the board by Sen. Anthony Bucco, as Shaw’s wife, Cindy, held the bible.
Rounding out the Board of Commissioners are John Krickus, Douglas R. Cabana, Thomas J. Mastrangelo, and Deborah Smith.
The meeting opened with the swearing-in of Commissioner Selen, who was reelected in November to his second, three-year term. Senator Jon Bramnick administered the oath of office as Selen’s wife, Tulin, held the bible.
“During my first term as Commissioner, I said I would not disappoint you. For my next term, I will work even harder to make Morris County the best-run county not just in New Jersey, but in the country! It is an honor to serve on this board and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for electing me again and putting your trust in me to do this job,” said Commissioner Selen during his acceptance speech.
County Clerk Grossi, who was re-elected in November to serve her third, five-year term, was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Louis S. Sceusi. The bible was held by her daughter, Nicole, who was accompanied by her boyfriend, Michael Themistocleous.
The annual Morris County Reorganization Meeting was held in person in the Commissioners’ 5th-floor public meeting room at the Morris County Administration & Records Building.
Returning for the event was the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard and Sheriff James M. Gannon conducted the pledge of allegiance. They were joined by a crowd of well-wishers, family, friends, and public officials packing into the meeting room.
The National Anthem was sung by Ella Conroy and Victoria Cooney who are 11th grade students at the Morris County Vocational School. Ella is in the Academy for Design and Victoria is in the Academy for Biotechnology. Culinary students from the vocational school also provided a bevy of snacks and drinks for attendees.
The invocation and benediction were provided by Father Owen Moran, Pastor of St. Vincent Martyr in Madison and Catholic Chaplain for the Morris County Correctional Facility.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will hold their next work session and regular meeting on January 10, 2024. The work session begins at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will continue to be held in public in the Administration & Records Building.