Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement Achieves 8th Prestigious Accreditation Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement Achieves 8th Prestigious Accreditation Award

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has applauded the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement for achieving national reaccreditation, a demanding process that measures compliance with the most advanced standards on policy, procedures, operations, training, administration, and support services.

The prestigious, advanced reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) is the first accomplished by the administration of Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who was sworn in as the 77th Sheriff in January 2017.

The agency first was awarded CALEA accreditation on March 21, 1998, and has now been reaccredited seven consecutive times.

Sheriff James M. Gannon with CALEA Assessors Thomas Clark and Charles Groover

“I and the entire Freeholder board commend Sheriff Gannon and his officers for maintaining these nationally recognized standards of excellence and for being accountable, fair-minded, and community-oriented in how they deal with the citizens of Morris County. This is a very important achievement, particularly in this volatile era when some citizens and law enforcement are clashing in other parts of this nation,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

Sheriff Gannon and Sheriff’s Office Detective Captain Denise Thornton were among Sheriff’s Office sworn Officers who were joined at a virtual Freeholder Board work session on Wednesday by CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley and CALEA Regional Program Director Paul MacMillan, who provides on-going accreditation guidance to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

Executive Director Hartley gave the Freeholders a glowing appraisal of the accreditation efforts of the Bureau of Law Enforcement, which met 361 rigorous reaccreditation standards.

“These efforts take strong leadership of course, as well as technical support, but they also require every member of the organization, both sworn and non-sworn, to embrace the concepts of accreditation and consider the implications of their actions in regard to our standards,” Executive Director Hartley said.

Sheriff’s Officer Travis Somerville, Detective Captain Denise Thornton, Corporal Laura Bertelli, Investigator Ashley Craig, Officer Kayla Santos

“Although I don’t think there has been a difference in this in the course of history, now more than ever, it’s critical for law enforcement agencies to commit to doing the right thing, the right way, and having accountability as a part of their organizational make-up.  Again, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office embraces this concept through accreditation and allows CALEA as an independent body to examine its most sensitive and complex operations to confirm its commitment to this important business philosophy,” Executive Director Hartley said.

Sheriff Gannon also commended the agency for maintaining the highest quality standards.

“Achieving reaccreditation is a rigorous process but necessary, I believe, to show the community that the Morris County Sheriff’s Office strives for excellence and transparency. I asked the assessors to kick the tires and look into everything because we welcome the scrutiny. It’s a true credit to everyone in the Bureau of Law Enforcement that its quality has again been affirmed,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is one of just two Sheriff’s Offices in New Jersey to be nationally accredited. Statewide, 17 law enforcement agencies have achieved national accreditation, including the New Jersey State Police.

A voluntary process for law enforcement agencies, CALEA accreditation demonstrates that an agency has a proven management system of written directives, clearly defined lines of authority, sound training, robust service delivery, excellence in leadership, and compliance with best practices related to life, health and safety procedures.

The Sheriff’s Office accreditation team spent the years 2016 through 2019 meeting annual, web-based prongs of the accreditation process that prepared the agency for a climactic, four-day visit in October 2019 by CALEA Assessors, former Law Enforcement professionals Charles Groover of Georgia and Thomas Clark of Virginia.

Public input was welcomed, with 13 individuals, business owners, and representatives from state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies calling the assessment team to offer positive opinions about the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.  They included a member of the LBGTQ community and a woman whose husband is a client of the Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver program.

During the site-based assessment, Sheriff Gannon and his accreditation team took the assessors on a tour of the Morris County Courthouse, which the Bureau of Law Enforcement is constitutionally mandated to protect, and the team showcased the agency’s specialized services and innovative outreach programs.

The CALEA assessors met Sheriff’s Office Detectives from the Bomb Squad, K-9, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Evidence, and Community Outreach and Planning Sections.

The assessors in October 2019 also conducted 112 interviews with sworn and non-sworn members of the Sheriff’s Office, community members, and Superior Court personnel, including Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz, who works closely with Sheriff Gannon on all aspects of courthouse security.

Before CALEA ultimately awarded the Sheriff’s Office four-year reaccreditation in March 2020, it delivered a Final Assessment Report that expressed admiration for initiatives launched by Sheriff Gannon. Those programs include the Hope One mobile substance use and mental health outreach program, the RSVP-3 school threat assessment program, and the RSVP-3 mobile app that allows individuals, particularly students, to anonymously report threats to school safety and other concerns.

“The agency has a community outreach component (that is) very active with businesses, neighborhood associations, citizen groups, civic organizations, and on and on. The programs Sheriff Gannon and the agency have introduced since his administration took over three years (ago) is amazing,” states the report, authored by the assessors.

Sheriff Gannon and the accreditation team had anticipated traveling to Florida in March for the 2020 CALEA Conference, where they would have answered any final questions by a panel of CALEA commissioners before reaccreditation was granted. Instead, the Sheriff and accreditation team members had a final session with CALEA commissioners over Zoom in March, when the reaccreditation was awarded.

Deaths By Suicide in Morris County are 52% Higher

Frank L. Cahill
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Deaths By Suicide in Morris County are 52% Higher

MORRIS COUNTY —  As of September 15, 32 individuals have died by suspected suicide, compared to 21 individuals by that date in 2019 in Morris County. With more than 100 days left in this calendar year, overall suicides this year have exceeded by five the 27 deaths attributed to suicide in 2019.

Emphasizing Morris County’s stigma-free philosophy, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon stressed that services are available and ready to minister to individuals who are in despair or feeling disengaged from family, friends, and healthy relationships.

The COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, unexpected deaths, and inability to freely grieve at funerals coupled with job losses, civil unrest, and uncertainty about the future have created a maelstrom that can overwhelm the psyche.

“Major disruptions and stress in people’s lives, as many have felt this year, can seriously damage mental and emotional well-being. Social distancing can lead to a disconnection from others and many people have not been able to mourn deaths with traditional wakes and funerals. There are resources to turn to and people who can help others cope, no matter who they are,” Sheriff Gannon said.

Tracy Klingener, Director of Suicide Prevention Services for the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, said COVID-19 has cut many people off from direct contact with family and friends. Without face-to-face encounters, warning signs that others are depressed or feeling hopeless can go undetected, she said.

“Without face to face interaction, people are not having the conversations they may have previously had with others,” she said.

“At a time like this, people may be in a state of intense tunnel vision about their problems and their lives.  It’s important to remind people that ‘You’re not alone. We’re in this together,” Director Klingener said.

Mental health and overcoming addiction is a cornerstone of Sheriff Gannon’s administration, which launched the Hope One mobile addiction and mental health outreach program on April 3, 2017.

Hope One is partnered with the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, which links individuals with treatment services, education, and wellness programs. One or more trained mental health advocates are present on every HOPE ONE trip into the community and since April 2017, have connected at least 151 people to mental health services.

RESOURCES:

  • Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One program: (973) 590-0300;
  • Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris: (973) 334-3496;
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255;
  • Ricky’s Compass (Click here)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text the word TALK to 741-741;
  • NJ Hopeline: (855) 654-6735;
  • Local meetings of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (Click here)
  • Cop2Cop, a confidential, 24-hour helpline for police officers and their families: 1-866-COP2COP.

Letter to the Editor: Why I am voting for Aisha Mahmood for the BOE

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

With the pandemic, as with every crisis, come deep challenges and opportunities for transformation and the possibility to build back better. From the Parsippany BOE mission statement, a line that stands out for me is “The mission of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District, in partnership with families and the greater community, is to challenge and nurture all students academically and to develop confident learners who are compassionate, generous, appreciative, and invested in their diverse world.”

This BOE election we have an opportunity to improve on those challenges. A BOE candidate should have the qualities of objectivity, unbiased views that put forth the students in all decisions and the ability to look at the whole, the teachers, aides, administration, and school infrastructure, to provide them with the support and a positive, nurturing environment. Aisha Mahmood has these qualities.

Aisha Mahmood, a long time Parsippany resident attended Brooklawn Middle School and Parsippany Hills High School. She has a BS in Biology and worked in the Pharmaceutical, Financial, and Telecommunication industries and she is currently a Project Manager.

What does Aisha bring to the table? In an ever-changing world, Board members must able to, first and foremost, meet the technological changes and provide our students what they need to be prepared and successful in the world after high school. As a Board member, with her professionally diverse background, Aisha would help our school system have what it needs to prepare our students to meet our changing world, cutting edge technology.

I met Aisha several years ago during local volunteer and community events including interfaith gatherings to bring people together after shootings in both temples and mosques. Aisha has been a dedicated Sunday school teacher for 23 years. Aisha is also an organizing member for The Citizen Foundation USA – North Jersey Chapter that builds schools to educate kids in third world countries and has traveled to these locations as part of this volunteer work.

Aisha gives back, actively engaging in making the young people’s lives better. She has the technical and versatile background to bring forward ideas and a fresh voice to our district, for both the children and teachers of our community. For this General Election, I urge you to join me in casting a vote for Aisha Mahmood for the Board for Education.

Judy Hernandez
Glacier Hills

Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 14, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 14, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 14, 2020.

Click here to download the agenda.

Parsippany Community Update September 15, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update September 15, 2020

PARSIPPANY — We need to keep our foot on the gas in our fight against COVID-19. As always, you can keep up with the day-to-day numbers on the Morris County coronavirus tracker page by clicking here. 

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Partners with Free Naloxone Distribution Initiative

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Partners with Free Naloxone Distribution Initiative

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp announces that starting September 24 through September 26 participating pharmacies across Morris County will be making naloxone (“NARCAN”), which is an opioid-overdose reversal drug, available for free and without a prescription or appointment, to anyone requesting the same.

Inquiring individuals, who can remain anonymous, will be entitled to one naloxone pack containing two doses, on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is part of a statewide initiative sponsored by the State of New Jersey.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey Attorney General S. Gurbir Grewal, the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES), and the New Jersey Department of Human Services are sponsoring this free naloxone program throughout the State of New Jersey. This is the second such distribution, a part of the State’s continued efforts to combat the opioid crisis. In June 2019, residents received 32,000 doses of naloxone.

Those who obtain naloxone will also be given information regarding addiction treatment and recovery through Reach NJ, a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week addictions hotline where people who have Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or friends and family of people with SUD can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors. Live staff members are available by calling the toll-free number, 844-ReachNJ (732-2465).

The participating pharmacies in Focus readership are:

Acme Pharmacy, 550 Myrtle Ave., Boonton
ShopRite Pharmacy of Greater Morristown, 178 East Hanover Avenue, Cedar Knolls
Towne Pharmacy, 103 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls
Sav-On Pharmacy, 329 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains

For a full list of participating pharmacies click here.

Associate Director Melody Runyon of Prevention is Key (PIK) said “Naloxone is invaluable when it comes to giving those with an opioid use disorder another chance to find a life of recovery. Ready availability is key. As a result of Morris County’s Narcan 2.0 and law enforcement Administration of Naloxone, Prevention is Key/CARES Peer Recovery Specialists have responded to nearly 700 overdoses at county hospitals with 473 individuals accepting recovery support services. Without naloxone, these individuals would never have had this opportunity to change their life.”

Township Council Meeting Tonight

Frank L. Cahill
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Township Council Meeting Tonight

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address, and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net.

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Welcomes New President

Frank L. Cahill
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Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Welcomes New President

MOUNTAIN LAKES — A leader in health and wellness and community service, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has appointed Alejandro (Alex) Martinez as its new President and CEO effective Monday, September 14.

Its outgoing CEO, Dr. Vik Joganow, has retired after leading the esteemed organization for the past seven years.

With over 25 years of management experience in nonprofit, government, youth development, and healthcare organizations, Alex’s comprehensive background spans strategic planning and execution, operations management, program development, community outreach, and government relations.

Most recently the Chief Operating Officer of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Alex was responsible for the executive leadership of several key departments that included Program Services, Membership, Customer Care, Volunteer Services, Administration, Property, and Finance representing $9.1 million in total revenues, over 26,000 members and 13,000 adult volunteers. He led the implementation of a growth strategy that fundamentally changed the operations of GSNNJ, introducing new technologies and methods of engagement for girls, volunteers, and families.

Additionally, Alex led much of the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alex’s extensive professional background includes Chief of Staff at the United Way of New York City, where he created a five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening the organization in all areas. He also worked in the political arena as Director of Constituent Services and Policy Analyst with a member of the New York City Council. This position instilled deep regard for social conscience, inspired by working with individuals who were dependent on government services.

His expertise in the community relations, financial development, and operational sectors was honed by executive positions with the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation/Bellevue Hospital and the American Museum of Natural History. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration & Economics from Fordham University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University. Alex understands the Morris County community, as he is a Board Member of the Head Start Community Program of Morris County and serves with the Denville Rotary.

He is a resident of Mount Tabor along with his wife and two sons. A passionate distance runner, Alex has completed nine marathons and is looking forward to his tenth!

The combination of Alex’s experience, drive, and commitment to the mission and work of the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA makes him the ideal person to lead the Y into the future. About the Y Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.

Letter to the Editor: Please Vote for John Titus and his Running Mates

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

I have known John Titus for the past several years.  We are peers, and we are friends and I do not use the term ‘friend’ lightly.  It has been my experience that friends are hard to come by; some people will say they help whenever needed, but do not.  However, John will be there when he is called upon.  John is diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet.

When I first met John, he had a quiet presence, observing and learning all that was going on around him.  Soon thereafter, John would make suggestions on various different events or fundraisers, and, if any crisis came about, with a level head, he would offer and see a solution to its fruition.

John possesses leadership qualities and has the fortitude to see them enacted.  He is kind and compassionate, yet reserved, and has an ability to make friends quickly and easily wherever he goes.  He has a great sense of humor but knows his bounds not to offend anyone.

As a long time, Parsippany resident, I definitely feel that John Titus would bring value to the Parsippany Board of Ed, and I highly recommend him for the position.

Please vote for John Titus and his running mates, Aisha Mahmood and Nilesh Bagdai, 4-5-6 For Parsippany BOE.

Marc Davis
Parsippany

Trump Rallies Attract Hundreds

Frank L. Cahill
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Trump Rallies Attract Hundreds

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, September 12, hundreds of Trump supporters participated in two rallies to support Trump and the Republican Party.

Event organizer Beth Figueira, a Mount Olive resident, began organizing the event after the first rally was publicly advertised. The first rally organized by Harry Martin brought hundreds of supported followers gathering along Route 46 at the Baldwin Road Intersection.

“This is the most important election I have been involved in,” Figueira said. “I wanted to bring people together.”

Justin Musella President of the Morris County Young Republicans

Justin Musella, 29, President of the Morris County Young Republicans, delivered the first speech at the rally held at Veterans Park. Musella, a senior business development manager for an international corporation, stressed the importance of the upcoming elections.

Before an estimated crowd of around 1,000, Musella stated “I stand before you today to deliver a message that every single person needs to hear; you must vote, you must get your family to vote, and you must get your friends to vote. A future where the Democrats win has never been scarier and if they win it will not be ‘mostly peaceful.’ The time for arguing is over and the time to act has come.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael DePierro

After Musella, several other guests of honor spoke, including Parsippany-Troy HillsCouncil President Michael DePierro, 11th District Congressional Candidate Rosemary Becchi, and 9th District Congressional Candidate Billy Prempeh. Parsippany Republican Committee Chairman Louis Valori began the ceremony with opening remarks and the pledge of allegiance.

11th District Congressional Candidate Rosemary Becchi

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro told the crowd “Trump has kept his promises and needs the full support of the “silent majority” that helped elect Trump in 2016. That means a straight down the ticket Republican vote.” “We need to fill the Congress and the Senate with Republicans that will work with him,” dePierro said. This will “help Make America Great Again,” he told a cheering crowd.

Down the road at the intersection of Baldwin Road and Route 46, Harry Martin’s rally was also attended by hundreds to supporters.  Route 46 was open to one lane of traffic (eastbound) as passers-by honked their horns at the crowds displayed their signs. A large number of supporters left Veterans Park and joined the rally on the corner of Route 46 and Baldwin Road, which ended around 4:00 p.m.

A small group of anti-Trump protesters organized on the opposite corner on Route 46 West, in front of Walgreens. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and Morris County Sheriff’s Officers, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad and Parsippany Volunteer First Aid Squad was spread out at both locations keeping the attendees safe.

Musella’s entire speech:

How great is it to see an event where everybody stands for the national anthem?

As the Chair of the Morris County Young Republicans, as a millennial, and most importantly as an American, we as a nation face the most important election in our country’s history. The full measure of the consequences that the outcome of this election bears on all of our futures cannot be overstated. If you feel like me—then you know what it feels like to be sick and tired of being sick and tired! Since March we have seen the most violent form of the Left take hold of the Democratic Party, all in the name of progressivism, social justice, and diversity.

When in reality, all that has meant for us is that we have seen statues to American heroes smashed, our most treasured cities looted and pillaged, and worse yet, the Left has declared war on the American police force. There can be no misunderstanding of their intentions since the effect of their actions is only destroying our culture, heritage, and sacred values. How many burdens like this can the greatest country in history endure before it no longer has the capacity to?

I stand before you today to deliver a message that every single person needs to hear; you must vote, you must get your family to vote, and you must get your friends to vote. A future where the Democrats win has never been scarier and if they win it will not be “mostly peaceful.” The time for arguing is over and the time to act has come. It cannot be any clearer of the contrasts between our two parties. To prevent further rot and decay, the only answer is we have to elect Republicans all the way up from President Trump and down.

I never thought I would be standing before you all as a young Republican and speaking in terms as dire as this but these are the times we live in. The last best chance we have in saving our country from being overrun is to ensure that we control the White House, the Senate, retake the House of Representatives, and win at the local level. Our only reward if we fail to vote in November is that the Democrats will achieve a victory so harmful—that the soul of this country will be permanently damaged. We have the power to make sure that this does not come to pass! If the whole of us votes in November we can make sure our voices are heard loud and clear that we want law and order, that we want the madness to stop, and most importantly, we want to remind the world that the ONLY privilege that exists in this world is to BE an American.

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