PARSIPPANY โ As we move through Phase 2 of our stateโs reopening and move closer to the โnew normalโ, it is incredibly important that we continue following the best practices that have gotten us to this point.
MORRIS COUNTY โResidents of long-term care facilities will be able to have outdoor visits with loved ones in designated outdoor space under a directive to long-term care facilities issued by the state Department of Health.
The Health Department has received input and worked collaboratively with long-term care providers on developing this directive to accommodate visitors.
Prior to transporting a long-term care resident to a designated outdoor space, visitors must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms ยญยญโ including a temperature check โ and facilities must follow safety and infection prevention and control measures in order to allow visitation.
โBeing apart from our loved ones has been one of the most difficult challenges throughout the pandemicโespecially for long-term care residents and their families. This directive outlines the measures that must be in place to reduce risk to this vulnerable population while allowing visits outdoors,โ said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. โVirtual communication could never replace gathering face to face gatherings with loved ones. We hope these outdoor visitations bring joy and comfort to residents as well as their loved onesโwhile also protecting them.โ
The directive applies to dementia care homes, long-term care facilities, pediatric transitional care homes, assisted living residences and programs, and comprehensive personal care homes.
Only two visitors will be permitted at a time and must stay six feet apart from the resident. Visitors and residents are required to wear face coverings, and a staff memberโwearing a surgical maskโmust remain with the resident during the visit. A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or quarantined for exposure cannot have visitors. A resident who has tested positive can have visitors after they have met the criteria to discontinue isolation.
Facilities must submit an attestation at least 24 hours before they begin outdoor visitation confirming that they have implemented the directiveโs requirements, and have a location designated for visitation, sufficient staff and personal protective equipment, and a method to schedule appointments.
Facilities are required to communicate the visitor policy to residents, families, staff, and others, and must receive informed consent in writing from the resident and visitor that they will comply with the facilityโs policies during the visit. As part of the consent form, visitors must agree to notify the facility if they test positive for COVID or have symptoms within 14 days of visiting.
The signs were removed from Charlie Brown's Denville location
MORRIS COUNTY โ Recently sign crews were seen removing the outside signs from Charlie Brown’s Denville. In addition, the furniture inside was removed. Calls to Charlie Brown’s went unanswered. The toll-free phone number for their corporate office is disconnected. The last entry to their Facebook page was September 24, 2016. Denville was removed from online ordering on their website, although the location still appears on their app.
Charlie Brown’s was located at 167 West Main Street. They were best known for their famous Unlimited Farmerโs Market Salad Bar.โข
Serving New Jersey with over 50 years of experience,ย Charlie Brownโs Fresh Grill and Steakhouse offered their signature and aged hand-carved, slow-roasted prime rib, delicious USDA Choice steaks, and juicy USDA Choice burgers.
Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill in Old Tappan closed in January 2020.
The company that owns Charlie Browns, CB Holdings, filed for bankruptcy in 2010. The corporate website is available by clicking here.
Formerly known as Charlie Brownโs Steakhouse, the first location opened in Westfield in 1966.
The front entrance of the former Charlie Brown’s DenvilleThe cranes outside Charlie Browns removing all the signs. Photo credit Kevin Jarvis
Michele Picone, Director of Human Services, Kiwanis Members Nicolas Limanov and Carol Tiesi
PARSIPPANY โ With the increase in the number of families relying on receiving food from the Parsippany Food Pantry, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany donated coloring books and crayons to be given to the children when their families are picking up food.
President Frank Cahill said “With the increase in families visiting the Parsippany Food Pantry our members have made a donation of coloring books and crayons for the children to keep them occupied during these times. With schools being closed, and the cancellation of summer camps, we feel children need things to keep them occupied, so we prepared the gifts to supply the children in need.”
Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact Frank Cahill, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany at (862) 213-2200.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meetings weekly via zoom meetings every Thursday Morning at 7:30 a.m. Join us for breakfast to learn more about our group of volunteers. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY โ Parsippany Indian Association has donated 2,500 pounds of various food products to Parsippany Food Pantry to provide our community members support during these difficult time of Corona Virus Pandemic. In the past, Parsippany Indian Association organized Food Drives to donate to Parsippany Food Pantry.
In addition, Parsippany Indian Association has donated to A2Z Narayan Food, Seva by Mira Desai to serve food to the poor, needy, and homeless shelter in Trenton says Raj Amin.
Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Rich Hundley III, Trentonian
MORRIS COUNTYย โ Governor Phil Murphy announced increased indoor and outdoor gathering capacity limits as COVID-19 cases in New Jersey continue to decline.
Effective immediately, indoor gatherings are now limited to 25% capacity of the rooms in which they will take place, with a maximum of 100 persons.
Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 250 persons, and outdoor religious services and political activities will continue to have no numerical limits.
Indoor dining will return to New Jersey on July 2, Governor Phil Murphy.
Restaurants will be able to serve patrons indoors, provided they only use 25 percent of their usual indoor seating capacity.
โWhile we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commonsense public health measures that New Jerseyans have been complying with are now allowing for us to expand capacity limits,โ said Governor Murphy. โWe will continue to evaluate and make reopening decisions based on data, science, and facts. I thank the people of our great state for the collective effort that has enabled us to take steps like these.โ
Before this Order, indoor gatherings were limited to 25% capacity, but with a maximum of 50 persons, and outdoor gatherings were limited to 100 persons, with the exception of outdoor religious services and political activities.
Furthermore, this Order clarifies that for the purposes of outdoor dining, โoutdoor areasโ are to be defined as open-air spaces without a fixed roof, besides a temporary or seasonal awning or cover.
PARSIPPANY โ This morning, personal care services throughout New Jersey were able to open for business. A comprehensive guide to all requirements can be found by clicking here.
Mayor Michael Soriano cuts the ribbon for the official re-opening of European Wax Center last year
PARSIPPANY โ The European Wax Centers of Parsippany is reopening on Monday, June 22. In celebration of the reopening, they are offering a wide array of promotions to enhance their guests’ experiences.
Now through July 31, eligible Frontline Heroes will enjoy a one-time free service of their choice as a thank you for their support during the pandemic. This is being done to recognize, thank, and offer a confidence boost to those who helped get the community through the Coronavirus Pandemic. We appreciate the frontline heroes whose essential work outside of their home during the pandemic meaningfully contributed to the health, welfare, and wellbeing of their community.
For a limited time, new and repeat guests can Buy One Service and receive a Second Same Day Service 50% off! In addition, new and returning guests can Buy nine and get three Free services when filling up their Wax Passes or Buy 12 Months of Unlimited Wax Pass and Get the 13th Free. Wax Pass holders can receive 20% off the product and 10% off service purchases now through December 31.
European Wax Center is also offering up to 40% off on some of their fantastic products via Spring Product Bundles such as the Stayput Brow Pencil, Sharpener + Perfect Brow Groomer: $25.00 (Reg. $43.00). Products in bundle offers cannot be substituted. All EWC products are cruelty-free and formulated without parabens and mineral oils.
As the leader in the waxing industry, European Wax Center always takes hygiene and safety seriously, and in light of the COVID-19 situation, they have increased their policies and practices. European Wax Center is committed to the highest sanitation standards for our guests and employees to ensure the health and safety of all who enter our centers. Click here to learn more about how we plan to keep you smooth and safe during this time as well as how to register for the Frontline Heroes discount.
PARSIPPANY โ Frank and Sons Pizzeria, 355 Parsippany Road, has decided to close their doors for the very last time after 49 years.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, they had to make the decision to close their doors.
“Without every one of you, the last 49 years would not have been possible. The Frank and Son family will miss you all. Stay healthy and safe. Love, The Frank and Son family,” said the family.
The grandchildren of Francesco and Vita PalmeriJoseph DiMenno, Connie Dimenno and Christina DiMennoFrancesco Joseph, Marie and Joe
C. Alexei Sepe, PHHS โ17, Boston College โ21; Alisha Gangadharan, Content Creation &
Publishing Lead, PHHS '17, Lafayette College '21; Lucas
Folan, Resource & Outreach Lead, PHHS '17, Hofstra University '20 and Nicky Parekh, Logistics Organizer & Technology Lead, PHHS '17, New Jersey Institute of Technology '21.
PARSIPPANY โ “Parsippany College Connect will be hosting its first College Q&A video discussion via Zoom on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m.
This event is open to all Parsippany high schoolers. Participants will be able to ask questions and connect with Parsippany college student panelists, who will discuss their personal experiences.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what life’s like after graduating from Parsippany Hills or Parsippany High in a welcoming and friendly environment. If you are interested in attending, you can sign up by clicking here.
Parsippany College Connect is an online community for Parsippany-Troy Hills School District students to learn from and connect with past PTHSD students currently in college, featuring an alumni directory, blog, and college FAQs.
Parsippany College Connect was launched by Parsippany Hills High School โ17 alumni Czar Alexei Sepe, Alisha Gangadharan, Lucas Folan, and Nicky Parekh. (click here)
They hope that Parsippany College Connect provides an online platform to build community in our town during a time when they may feel the most disconnected. This grassroots effort created for Parsippany students by Parsippany students provides a way that PTHSD alumni can lend a helping hand to a graduating Class of 2020 who deserve to feel comfortable and supported as they enter the next chapter of their lives. For them, this is their small way of giving back to the community that has constantly supported them.
Sheriff James M. Gannon (center) a CCM graduate, and his team monitoring the Morris County COVID-19 testing site at CCM. On the right is CCM President Anthony J. Iacono
MORRIS COUNTY โ Morris County will close its COVID-19 drive-thru testing center at County College of Morris at the end of next week, with the last scheduled day of free testing set for Friday, June 26, announced county officials.
When testing began, there was a 43 percent positive rate among residents with symptoms and prescriptions who were tested at the county center, said, officials. Those positive numbers have now dropped dramatically, with positive results for the past few weeks at less than 1 percent of those tested, they said.
โThe skills and organizational powers of the partners in this effort made the creation of the testing site a successful response to help residents who were affected by the devastating virus. Its ultimate success hinged on all the partners communicating seamlessly, rapidly resolving any issues, and caring about the physical and emotional toll on clients who used the site,โ said Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.
The drop in positive numbers as well as the numerous urgent care facilities and pharmacies across the count that now offer nasal swab and saliva tests, allows the current CCM site to close. The site opened on March 30 to help deal with the large numbers of people needed to get COVID-19 tests. While open, the CCM site provided nasal swab tests to more than 7,000 people.
“We are indebted to all of the agencies and volunteers that came together to operate this testing center during the height of the COVID- 19 crisis in our county”,ย said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police blocking off the crime scene
PARSIPPANY โ Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutorโs Office Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Andrew Miller announce the arrest of Edilson D. Trejo, 21, Parsippany.
On Saturday, June 20, law enforcement received information at approximately 5:50 a.m. regarding a homicide at a residence on 299 Parsippany Road, Parsippany.
299 Parsippany Road is located at the corner of Parsippany Road and Carlstadt Roa
The investigation confirmed that a deceased, 35-year-old maleโs body was located inside the residence.
The deceased male appeared to have multiple stab wounds to the neck and/or torso.
The manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
The identity of the deceased individual will not be released at this time.
Further investigation revealed that Edilson D. Trejo, a resident of the apartment, had been engaged in a verbal altercation at the residence with the victim.
Command Post set up in the parking lot in the adjacent strip centerCommand Post set up in the parking lot in the adjacent strip center
During this altercation, it is alleged that Trejo used a knife to stab the victim multiple times in the neck and/or torso.
After the incident, it is alleged that Trejo took a shower, changed his clothes, and fled the apartment.
He was apprehended by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police shortly after the initial report to law enforcement.
It is further alleged that there were two children under the age of ten in the residence at the time of the incident.
Trejo has been charged by complaint-warrant with second-degree Manslaughter, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, third-degree Hindering Own Apprehension, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children.
Trejo is lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a first appearance in court.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Morris County Sheriffโs Office โ Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutorโs Office Major Crimes Unit.
Businesses located on the lower level of 299 Parsippany RoadBusinesses located on the lower level of 299 Parsippany Road
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutorโs Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300.
Editorโs Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.ย Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY โ A Knight Transportation Trailer being towed by a local tow truck was exiting the Morris Hills Shopping Center (near the Marshalls exit) and knocked down electrical wires and telephone poles. The transformers landed in the enclosed wooden garbage area in the McDonald’s parking lot and caught on fire. Video by Jeff Kramer
At approximately 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 6, as well as Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Parsippany Emergency Medical Services, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was dispatched to the scene. There were no injuries reported.
Jersey Central and Power and Light is on the scene. Power is out in the surrounding area.
A Knight Transportation Trailer being towed by a local tow truck knocked down electrical wires and transformer and they caught on fire by the McDonald’s dumpstersThe dumpsters at McDonald’s, 3111 Route 46 EastParsippany Fire District 6 was at the sceneA Knight Transportation Trailer being towed by a local tow truck knocked down electrical wires and transformer and they caught on fire by the McDonald’s dumpstersThe truck hit the electric wires and telephone phone and transformers landed on the ground in the area of the dumpsters and caught the dumpsters on fireThe dumpsters at McDonald’s, 3111 Route 46 EastThe dumpsters at McDonald’s, 3111 Route 46 EastThe dumpsters at McDonald’s, 3111 Route 46 EastThe dumpsters at McDonald’s, 3111 Route 46 EastThe dumpsters at McDonald’s, 3111 Route 46 EastThe dumpsters burning at McDonald’s. Photo by Jeff Kramer.The flames from Route 46The flames from Route 46
PARSIPPANY โ If you were driving in the Arlington Shopping Plaza on Saturday morning, you must have seen all the emergency vehicles blocking off the road leading to Home Depot.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery requested Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 for help in rescuing ducklings.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Parsippany Emergency Medical Services were also called to the scene.
After about a half-hour, they found their first victim. A baby duckling. Then they found a second one. There were several others that needed to be rescued. The crews after an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the ducklings flushed the drain with water to help free up the ducklings.
A duckling rescued in the storm drain in Arlington Shopping PlazaPatrolman William Stone gives a thumbs-up as the first duckling was pulled out of the storm drain. Patrolman Dave Cavaliere is holding the ducklingThe crews were searching the storm drains for the ducklingsThe crews were searching the storm drains for the ducklingsThe crews were searching the storm drains for the ducklingsThe crews were searching the storm drains for the ducklingsParsippany Animal Humane Enforcement Officer arrived at the scene
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police blocking off the crime scene
PARSIPPANY โ Initial reports indicate a 35-year old male was stabbed to death in a second-floor apartment of 299 Parsippany Road. Reports also indicate they have a suspect in custody.
299 Parsippany Road
Calls to the Parsippany-Troy Hils Police Department was received approximately 6:00 a.m.
Morris County Sheriff Department as well as Morris County Prosecutor’s Office are currently at the scene.
When additional details are available Parsippany Focus will update this article.
Command Post set up in the parking lot in the adjacent strip centerCommand Post set up in the parking lot in the adjacent strip centerBusinesses located on the lower level of 299 Parsippany RoadBusinesses located on the lower level of 299 Parsippany RoadMobile Command Post from Morris County Sheriff Office
MORRIS COUNTY โ County College of Morris (CCM) on Friday, June 12, held a virtual commencement ceremony on YouTube to recognize the graduates from the Class of 2020.
Titus the Titan, the County College of Morris mascot, gives the thumbs up to one of the members of the Class of 2020 during the collegeโs cap and gown pick-up event
The Class of 2020 includes more than 1,200 students, many who are transferring to top four-year institutions in New Jersey and across the nation to earn their bachelorโs degrees. The graduates will be receiving their diplomas by mail in one of four degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science. Also included among the graduates are those who have earned certificates. The graduates consist of those who completed their studies at CCM between August 2019 and May 2020.
Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr., an impact investor and practical theologian with more than 30+ years of experience in corporate and community development, served as the keynote speaker.
Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr.
โWho could image the uncertainly the Class of 2020 would face,โ he noted. โToday I want not only to challenge you to embrace uncertainty, but I also want to challenge you to show up in the world when it matters most. I challenge you to embrace uncertainty and to dream about the many ways you make a real difference . . . consider volunteering at your local food pantry, help the elderly in your community, organize a fundraiser for a worthy cause. Whatever you decide to do, keep smiling. And here is the good news, the best is yet to come.โ
Also providing remarks was Deborah Smith, director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. โRegardless of the current situation, this is a special day for you,โ she said. โIt is the start of your life as leaders in our society; you are the next generation who will get us through crises like Superstorm Sandy and COVID-19. Thanks to your education here at CCM, the world is open to you. You already have taken a major step towards your future by working hard to achieve the degree you will receive.โ
During his remarks, CCM President Anthony J. Iacono highlighted several students who completed their studies despite lifeโs challenges and obstacles. Highlighted were:
Walmer Granda-Acaro, of Morristown, a business major, who emigrated to the U.S. when he was 14. At CCM, he became president of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society and spent his years at the college helping and inspiring others. Granda-Acaro will continue his studies at Georgetown University.
Emma Mendoza, from the Class of 2020 at County College of Morris, serves as the graduation speaker for CCMโs virtual commencement ceremony recognizing its graduates
Emma Mendoza, of Boonton, who majored in international studies, was named to the 2020 PTK New Jersey All-State Academic Team for her academic excellence, leadership, and community service. At CCM, she served as president of the Student Government Association, as a member of both the PTK and Alpha Mu Gamma honor societies, on the leadership team for the Student Activities Programming Board and as a student representative to CCMโs College Council. Mendoza will continue her studies at Rutgers University and will serve on the CCMโs Board of Trustees as the alumni trustee for the 2020-21 academic year.
Corey Anding, of Newark, an international studies major and a United State military veteran. Corey also was named to the 2020 PTK New Jersey All-State Academic Team for his academic excellence, leadership, and community service. At CCM, he served as president pro tempore of the Student Government Association, as a member of both the PTK and Alpha Mu Gamma honor societies and as a student representative on CCMโs College Council and Student Affairs Committee. Anding will continue his studies at American University in Washington, D.C.
โI want to encourage you to continue reaching for your dreams,โ Iacono told the Class of 2020. โBe fearless in the pursuit of your goals and uncompromising of your values. Never stop learning and remember that success is not simply about doing things right but, more importantly, success requires the courage to do the right things. Our world needs more authentic leaders โ leaders who are bold, compassionate, fair, and visionary. Leaders who unite, respect all lives, and help us advance humanity in a way that leaves no one behind.โ
CCM Trustee Vice Chair Jeffrey Advokat, remarked, โI want to sincerely congratulate all of the graduates and let you know how proud all of the Trustees are here at CCM of your achievement. Although our society has hit a terrible low, we are already beginning our comeback, and the high quality that our renewed strength will bring will be led by your generation.โ
Standing with college tradition, the winner of the CCM Peace Prize was announced during the commencement ceremony.
Antonina Mammana, of Randolph, who graduates summa cum laude with her Associate of Science degree in mathematics with an education concentration, was named the winner of the 2020 Peace Prize for her โWhat is Peaceโ video. Mammanaโs project envisions peace as a concept that must begin every day. The video features her hand sketching a flower, while her narration urges viewers to consider peace as the product of small, individual, personal choices. The video can be viewed by clicking here.
The creator of the winning entry receives a $1,000 award provided by the CCM Foundation. This is the 19th year the college has awarded its Peace Prize, which was administered this year by Professor Laura Driver from the Department of English and Philosophy.
Included among the colleges and universities members from the Class of 2020 will be attending next are Cornell University, Drew University, John J. College of Criminal Justice, Montclair University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers University at CCM, The University of Virginia and other top schools across New Jersey and the nation.
The Class of 2020 saw many significant accomplishments at the college during their educational journey. Professor Eber, chair of the English and Philosophy department and English professor received the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award from the American Association of Community Colleges in recognition of her commitment to the success of students. The 2019-20 Academic Year marked her 50th year on the CCM faculty. The collegeโs Center for Workforce Development for the second year in a row received a Best Practice Award from the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey. The CCM Educational Opportunity Fund also was presented with a Silver Excellence Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education for its service to ensure the success of first-generation students.
MORRIS COUNTY โ Noting a thick stack of requests from desperate constituents who still cannot access unemployment benefits, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn demanded that Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo redouble his efforts to fix a broken system.
โReal people in my district and across New Jersey are hurting from the commissionerโs continuing failures,โ said Dunn (R-Morris). โTo him, I say simply; do your job and end the unemployment backlog.โ
Dunn revealed a letter she sent to Asaro-Angelo in early June that detailed the problems her constituents were experiencing with the unemployment insurance system since Gov. Murphyโs shutdown of the stateโs business community in March. (Click here to read letter)
Despite the serious issues raised in the letter, no one from the department bothered to send a response to the Assemblywoman or her constituents.ย Instead, he turned to the administrationโs image squad just less than a week later to promote to the media that nearly all of the claims are paid.
However, Dunnโs own office records show that nearly half of the constituents who have contacted her have still not been able to receive their earned benefits.
โI would challenge the press to come to my office and see what real people are going through, not just blindly accept the claims of the commissioner and his press guardians,โ said Dunn.
โI think that the commissioner โ and by extension, the governor โ should spend a lot less time burnishing their public images and getting live shots on national television and focus on the jobs New Jerseyans need them to do.โ
MORRIS COUNTY โย Governor Phil Murphy has proposed cutting funding for the Senior Freeze and Homestead Benefit property tax relief programs that make it possible for many elderly residents and middle-class families to own a home in New Jersey.
Rather than adopt bipartisan recommendations from the Legislature to close budget shortfalls resulting from COVID-19, the governor has ignored fiscally responsible solutions and placed the burden of balancing the State budget on the backs of struggling homeowners.
The Murphy Administration already eliminated the Homestead Benefit credit from property tax bills that were due on May 1st, forcing homeowners to pay more. Now they are threatening to remove the valuable tax credit from bills due in August, November, and 2021.
Under Governor Murphyโs plan, seniors who depend on the Property Tax Reimbursement program, also known as the Senior Freeze, will not receive their July payment to help them stay in their homes.
You can tell Governor Murphy NOT to cut the Senior Freeze and Homestead Benefit programs.
Sheriff Gannon, Highlands Owner Howard Ryan, Detective Captain Denise Thornton, Detective Lieutenant Laura Flynn, Assessor Laura Tramontin and Assessor James P. Molinaro
MORRIS COUNTY โ The Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Section of the Morris County Sheriffโs Office is the first in New Jersey to welcome an independent assessment, which concluded the section meets rigorous international quality standards.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon in 2019 voluntarily sought the services of Highlands Forensic Investigations & Consulting LLC for an independent and objective assessment of the agencyโs CSI Section that provides crime scene and incident evidence collection and analysis to all 39 municipalities in Morris County.
Howard Ryan, Morris County Sheriffโs Office CSI Section Detective Sgt. Craig Brooks, Detective Captain Denise Thornton, Sheriffโs Office Chief Kelley Zienowicz, Sheriff James M. Gannon, Detective Lt. Laura Flynn, Detective Max Englert, Detective Bryan Bailey, Highlands Assessor James Molinaro, and Assessor Laura Tramontin
The yearlong evaluation involved an onsite visit by Highlands Owner Howard Ryan and firm Assessors Laura Tramontin and James P. Molinaro, and continuous reviews of case files, training files, proficiency/competency testing and management documentation.
In 2019, CSI Section Detectives and Forensic Technicians worked on 1,291 cases, or, between three and four cases a day.
Under the leadership of Morris County Sheriffโs Office Detective Captain Denise Thornton and Detective Lieutenant Laura Flynn, and with all CSI Detectives assisting, an extensive questionnaire about practices, policies, and directives governing eight categories of CSI operations were responded to with 126 detailed and objective written proofs.
CSI Detective Bryan Bailey under evaluation by Assessor Molinaro in the CSI Section
To mark the recent, successful completion of the assessment, Mr. Ryan and the assessors visited the CSI Section to present a Certificate of Conformity to the Sheriff and CSI Sectionย Detectives. The certificate validates the completion of a Crime Scene Unit Assessment Program that demonstrates conformity to standards promulgated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 17020), relevant to best practices for crime scene investigations.
Assessor Molinaro is a retired New Jersey State Police Lieutenant, who later worked for and retired from the Hunterdon County Prosecutorโs Office in the Major Crimes-Crime Scene Unit.ย Assessor Tramontin has more than 20 years of crime laboratory experience and worked in multiple forensic disciplines that include drug chemistry, toxicology, trace evidence, and biology.
Highlands owner, Mr. Ryan, is a retired New Jersey State Police Lieutenant and crime scene investigation and reconstruction expert. His firm provides consulting services across the United States and Canada.
โI canโt say how proud I am of everyone in the Crime Scene Investigation Section,โ Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
โThis independent assessment by a forensic firm that draws upon experts with more than 130 years of combined law enforcement experience strengthens the excellence, professionalism, and precision of work performed by the Morris County Sheriffโs Office CSI Section. It demonstrates the objectivity of detectives, their adherence to written procedures, and will increase their confidence while explaining and defending their analyses where it counts โ in courts of law,โ Sheriff Gannon said.
Chester Police Department Chief Thomas Williver, President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, called the CSI Section Detectives โconsummate professionals.โ
โThe CSI Section of the Morris County Sheriffโs Office provides an invaluable resource to the municipal police departments in Morris County.ย The residents of Morris County should be comforted to know that the CSI Section detectives are following the best practices and standards in Crime Scene Detection, which assists law enforcement in successful prosecution or exoneration of suspects.ย The detectives are consummate professionals and we are proud to work with them,โ Chief Williver said.
Mr. Ryan and the Assessors said the CSI Section was in good shape before the assessment began and now, with its strengthening, is poised to be a model for crime scene units across the state and nation, particularly as demands and expectations by the public of their law enforcement professionals increase.
โItโs not an easy endeavor to open the door to scrutiny but the Morris County Sheriffโs Office CSI Section did that, 100 percent,โ Mr. Ryan said.
Assessors Tramontin and Molinaro said the CSI Detectives were fully committed to ensuring that all their work, no matter how minute or routine, was backed up by a directive, policy, or procedure.ย ย By the end of the assessment, the CSI Sectionโs conforming policies and procedures were compiled in a volume entitled โMorris County Sheriffโs Office Crime Scene Investigation Manual.โ
โThe end product is phenomenal,โ Mr. Molinaro said.
The conformity assessment required the CSI Section to provide 126 objective written proofs, and in some cases to demonstrate skills in the categories of Facilities, Vehicles, Equipment and Supplies; Investigative Activities; Evidence and Property Control; Training and Professional Development; Ethics; Safety; and Reporting and Records Management.
The scope of questions ranged from inquiries about the equipment used in processing activities, to evidence control, to the documentation of shooting scenes to verification of reagents and processing powders prior to use.
โThe facility is second to none and the people of Morris County should be very proud of the Crime Scene Investigation Section. The level of enthusiasm is high and everyone in the unit is thrilled to be there,โ Mr. Ryan said.
Sheriff Gannon, Highlands Owner Howard Ryan, Detective Captain Denise Thornton, Detective Lieutenant Laura Flynn, Assessor Laura Tramontin and Assessor James P. Molinaro