PARSIPPANY — William ‘Bill’ J. Riley, Jr., 54, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at his home in High Point, NC.
Bill was born in Denville and grew up in Lake Parsippany.
He graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 1983. For many years he was a volunteer for the Parsippany Ambulance Squad where he was an EMT, as well as a volunteer for the District 3 Fire Department in Lake Parsippany.
Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1986 – 1990.
Upon moving to North Carolina in 2008, he worked for Caring Services as a Facilities Manager until 2017. He was a member of the Triad Softball League for the last several years where they played every Sunday, spring through fall. He also helped coordinate the bi-annual Lake Jordan Retreat with a vast group of friends. For the last two years, Bill worked for himself as an independent contractor.
Survivors include his three sisters: Kathleen Accinni, Karen Powers and her husband, Nicholas, and Colleen Riley-Fontanella; his three nieces: Allison Katz and her husband, Kevin, Katie Accinni and her fiancée, Daniel Breese and Shannon Powers; his three nephews: Andrew Powers, Brandon and Christopher Fontanella, and his two great nephews, Logan and Ethan Katz.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Veterans Affairs, 385 Tremont Ave., East Orange, New Jersey 07018.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Ordinance No. 2019:33 prohibiting retailers from providing single-use plastic carry-out bags and non-recyclable paper bags to customers for the purposes of transporting products or goods out of a business or store. (Click here for a copy of Ordinance No. 2019:33.)
The ordinance goes in full effect Thursday, February 6, although some area retailers have already started to comply. For instant, Quick Chek, 170 Parsippany Road, charges consumers 10 cents if you require a compliant bag.
Businesses must now provide recyclable paper bags. Residents and customers should be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags whenever possible. The purpose of this ban is to reduce litter, protect the environment, and remove hard-to-recycle bags from our waste stream. (Click here for Key Facts brochure)
Retailers that distribute paper retail/grocery bags must charge a fee between 10 cents and 25 cents. The fee is collected and kept by the business to help cover the cost of purchasing the compliant bags. This ordinance affects all retailers, including grocery stores, restaurants, corner stores, pharmacies, clothing shops, hardware stores, beer and liquor stores, and every other retail store that provides bags to customers at point of sale. (Click here for Retail Training Facts)
Retailers will face fines if they supply banned bags to customers after February 6. A critical element of managing the ban in any business is preparing and training their team, particularly those who have regular contact with customers, such as checkout operators and customer service staff.
Other towns with similar ordinances are Ridgewood, Paramus, Saddle Brook, Glen Rock and Garfield. Bag bans in Montclair took effect in December. Haworth, Madison and Woodland Park are set to enact bans in March.
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. and Senator Joe Pennacchio
PARSIPPANY — Three Incumbent Council Members took their oath of office during the swearing in ceremony on Wednesday, January 1 at Parsippany Municipal Building.
Republicans Paul Carifi, Jr., was given the Oath of Office by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon; Both Loretta Gragnani and Michael dePierro were given the Oath of Office by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi.
The program began sharply at 1:00 p.m. with Township Clerk Khaled Madin, calling the Inauguration Ceremony to order. Madin led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation by Monsignor Herbert K. Tillyer.
Special guests included Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, Councilwoman Emily Peterson, Former Mayor James Barberio, Former Councilman and Mayor Dr. Joseph Weisberg, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Andrew Miller, Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator Keith Kazmark, Parsippany-Troy Hills CFO Ann Cucci, Parsippany PAL Director Samuel Yodice, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Senator Joe Pennacchio, Morris County Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo, Chatham Township Mayor Tayfun Selen and Morris County Republican Vice Chair Laura Ali.
Benediction by Reverend Joseph Buffardi and closing remarks by Khaled Madin.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Jefferson Township Police Chief Sean Conrad announce that John Formisano, 49, formerly of Jefferson Township, has been indicted on charges related to a fatal shooting that occurred on July 14, 2019, in Jefferson Township.
On December 30, 2019, an indictment was returned by a Morris County grand jury charging Formisano with a number of offenses, including first degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, two counts of second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Official Misconduct, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and third degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.
The charges in the indictment are related to an incident that occurred on July 14, 2019 in Jefferson Township. At approximately 11:21 p.m., members of the Jefferson Township Police Department were dispatched to 1 Mirror Place for 911 calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responding officers located a deceased woman’s body lying on the front porch steps of 5 Mirror Place.
The deceased woman was subsequently identified as Christie Formisano, 37, Jefferson Township. A second victim, a male age 40, was located with multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence of 1 Mirror Place.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the defendant, John Formisano, was located in a parking lot in Livingston, and was taken into custody by law enforcement. The firearm believed to be used by the defendant was also recovered in Livingston. The defendant, a lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, was off-duty at the time of the incident.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Jefferson Township Police Department at (973) 697-1300.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. 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 — John Robert “Bob” Keller, 67, a longtime Parsippany Democratic leader, died on Saturday, December 21 at Saint Clare’s Hospital, Denville, from lung failure.
Bob grew up in the little town of Turtle Creek, Pa, just outside of Pittsburgh. He received a BA from California State University also in PA.
Bob retired from his professional job as an Executive Editor for Standard and Poors/McGraw-Hill 22 years ago, where he was heavily involved in reporting news and pricing used in the oil industry in the northern hemisphere. After his retirement he devoted his time to volunteering and giving back to the community. Keller served as a member of the Parsippany Planning Board and as treasurer of the Morris County Democratic Committee. He is also a former president of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a Lay Leader at the Parsippany United Methodist Church
“I am saddest over the death of my dear friend Bob Keller, Bob was a mentor to me. He was a kind and caring man who will be missed at the Parsippany United Methodist Church, The Lake Parsippany Fire Department, The Township of Parsippany Planning Board, The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and the Parsippany Democratic Committee. My thoughts and prayers are with Connie, Jon and Mike.” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano.
Gordon Meth, New Jersey Kiwanis District Governor said “I knew Bob for nearly 20 years, both as a Planning Board member and as a Kiwanian. He was a man of ultimate integrity and candor. Time and time again I saw him do the right thing, even when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. He was never afraid to speak his mind either. I will miss him dearly.”
“Bob will surely be missed at Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Although at times, we butt heads, we always respected each other and I always valued Bob’s opinions and knowledge. Bob was a big asset to our club, as I had the honor of working with him during my terms as Club President and Foundation President,” said Frank Cahill, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Morris County Democratic Committee Chairman Chip Robinson said “Bob was a man who led when others wouldn’t, and was always willing to stand up for what he believed in. Bob was involved in the Democratic Party throughout his life and ran for council in Parsippany multiple times. He was also a strong advocate for organ donations.”
He sought election to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2013.
Bob Keller
Bob married his best friend, Connie, on March 23, 1974 and they have two sons: Jonathan, 31 and Michael, 26. Bob and Connie were high school sweethearts that met over a pair of red mittens 50 years ago.
In 2002, Bob’s kidneys failed due to complications from diabetes. He received a new kidney that year donated by his best friend and wife, Connie on August 13. As his health failed from other complications the kidney kept working. It was a match meant to be.
The Kellers moved to New Jersey from their hometown, Turtle Creek, PA, and lived in Rockaway for three years before deciding that Parsippany would be the place to settle and buy their first home. The Kellers have lived in Lake Parsippany for 40 years
Bob served on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board since 1996 and served as Vice Chairman of the Board as well as Chairman of the minor Site Plan Committee of the Planning Board. He was appointed Chairman in January 2018.
Bob Keller
He was a member of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. for 37 years. Served as its president for 13 years and has held the offices of vice president, secretary, financial secretary and trustee.
Bob was very active member of New Jersey Sharing Network, and acted as ambassador educating people on organ donation.
Greg Elbin and Bob Keller
Bob was very active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, a past president of the Club and a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation. He joined Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany on May 18, 1998. He was named Kiwanian of the Year in 2000 and a George F. Hixson Fellowship recipient. He was also honored with a Tablet of Honor, the highest award that can be presented to an active Kiwanis member. Bob fulfilled the dream of late Alan Gordon, and was instrumental in making one of Kiwanis Club of Parsippany greatest service project, “The Touch-A-Truck.” Along with Touch-A-Truck Chairman Nicolas Limanov, “Touch-A-Truck” was named the Number One Service Project in the New Jersey District Kiwanis Club for 2018 and again at the New Jersey District Convention in 2019, as voted by other New Jersey Kiwanis Clubs.
There will be a Memorial Service for Bob on Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Parsippany United Methodist Church, 903 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany. Following the service the celebration of Bob’s life will continue at the Lake Parsippany Fire House, 255 Halsey Road, where Bob was a long time member.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund 903 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany or New Jersey Sharing Network Foundation 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974.
His obituary can be found on the Par-Troy Funeral Home website by clicking here.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Special Meeting – Monday, December 30, 2019
Click here to view a copy of the Agenda. Please note the Agenda was not available at the time of the meeting, nor was it posted on Parsippany-Troy Hills Township official website.
Please note: The order of items on the Agenda were not followed.
Also note, that Item 2, Non-Consent Agenda was removed from agenda.
Fire at 162 Rutgers Lane, where on man was pronounced dead
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 12:34 p.m., Sunday, December 29, the Deputy Chief of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District #5 was in the Rutgers Village Apartment complex when he observed an active fire at 162 Rutgers Lane.
Deputy Chief of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District #5 was in the Rutgers Village Apartment complex when he observed an active fire at 162 Rutgers Lane.
He immediately contacted the Morris County Communications Center via radio. Multiple area fire departments were dispatched to the scene, along with Parsippany Emergency Medical Services and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance.
Sergeant Brian Conover, Public Information Officer said “We can confirm that a deceased person was located inside one of the affected apartments. Two apartments were heavily damaged during the fire and the Red Cross is on scene providing assistance.”
Firemen on the roof on the building
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Parsippany Fire Investigator Patrolman D. Cavaliere and Parsippany Detective A. Morelli are investigating the fire.
Mutual aid responders included Boonton, Montville, Morris Plains, Mount Tabor and Whippany firefighters.
The victim, Gregory Giorgio, 46, was from East Hanover. His nephew, who rents the apartment, was on vacation and returned to find the place on fire. He lost everything. He also found out his uncle was in the house at the time of the fire and lost his life. 😞There is a GoFundMe page setup to help the occupant. Click here to donate.
Window at 162 Rutgers LaneItems removed from the apartment at 162 Rutgers LaneThe entire area was roped off with crime scene tape
Rutgers Village is located off Route 46 and South Edwards Road, near New Road.
There are a total of 442 units, including one bedroom and two bedroom units.
PARSIPPANY — Santa makes a surprise visit at IHOP, 792 Route 46, Arlington Plaza, on Saturday, December 21. Children had the opportunity to take photos with Santa and tell Santa their wish list.
PARSIPPANY — Thousands of 32BJ SEIU janitors voted to ratify a four-year contract that covers 7,000 workers who clean and maintain 500 commercial office buildings, schools, malls and transit centers in the state of New Jersey.
The new four-year contract includes up to $3.80 in wage increases that will have some workers in the state starting at $18 by 2023. The contract maintains quality family health insurance, legal and career training benefits. It also improves retirement benefits for many workers, expands paid sick leave, creates notable protections against sexual harassment and creates a statewide labor management committee to discuss the physically demanding conditions of working as a janitor.
For the first time, the contract also includes comprehensive protections against sexual harassment, requiring employers to provide and post a sexual harassment policy in the workplace, protecting workers against harassment by third parties and laying out a process for complaint follow up and discipline of perpetrators.
Mary Francis Cuadrado, a member of 32BJ SEIU’s bargaining committee and cleaner at Celgene and Merck, who was present at the vote said, “we just voted to ratify this contract, which means absolutely everything to us and our families. For me, as a single mom raising kids, I can count on a raise every year, to keep up with inflation and quality health insurance that we can afford. This is more than a contract; it is an opportunity. This is the best gift for the holidays.”
“This contract will help New Jersey communities everywhere benefit from prosperity of the booming real estate market. Seven thousand New Jerseyans just took a giant step towards joining the middle class,” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ SEIU Vice President and New Jersey State Director.
The 32BJ SEIU bargaining committee and employers tentatively settled the contract late in the evening on December 18, a day after thousands of NJ cleaners held a massive march and strike authorization vote. The settlement and today’s ratification averts the strike.
The workers began contract negations with the cleaning contracting companies on October 17. Over the last three months, workers have waged an aggressive campaign that included a massive rally and march on Labor Day, a strike vote and march through Newark and countless building actions. The cleaners saw immense support from numerous elected officials and allies including Governor Murphy, Mayor Baraka, Mayor Fulop, members of Newark and Jersey City Councils, Senator Cryan, Assemblywoman Quijano, Sue Altman of the Working Families Alliance, Make the Road New Jersey, faith leaders throughout the state and the general public.
Elected officials who stood with 32BJ janitors continue to show their support. “Today is a great day for New Jersey and the 7,000 commercial cleaners at SEIU 32BJ who just settled a new four-year contract,” said New Jersey Governor Murphy. “This contract is much bigger than the office cleaners who will make the wages and benefits it ensures. This is about the strength of New Jersey’s economy. Today, 32BJ ensured that communities across our state will have what they need, not only to survive, but to thrive.”
“I am thrilled to see that custodial workers throughout our state have settled on a strong, fair contract that offers needed raises and essential healthcare protections. The ability to strike and collectively bargain is the bedrock of the American labor movement, and I would like to praise the hardworking men and women of SEIU and the participating contractors for strengthening that process with this agreement,” said the Mayor of Parsippany Michael Soriano.
Eryn Shacks, Crunch Member Services Supervisor, Brandon Jones, Lisa Elvin, Taylor Johnson, Crunch Member Services Supervisor and Laura Jallad, General Manager Crunch Stanhope
PARSIPPANY — Crunch Fitness held two group fitness classes at Parsippany High School to benefit the Elvin family.
The fitness classes were held on Saturday, December 21 and were kid friendly. They charged a $5 admission at the door and all the admission was donated to the family. Some of the other little activities like Tic Tac Toe, Jenga and a few more.
Crunch Fitness will be opening in Arlington Plaza during the first quarter of 2020. Their new address is 790 Route 46. They have a temporary enrollment center set up in the former Modell’s, 780 Route 46, Arlington Plaza. For more information call (973) 794-3652.
The Elvin’s home was destroyed when a structure fire was reported at a single-family home
located at 125 Allentown Road at approximately 5:38 p.m. on Thursday, December 5.
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter’s continue their annual tradition of bringing Santa to numerous stops on Christmas Eve throughout Parsippany Fire District Two.
Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Council President Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Emily Peterson, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilwoman Janice McCarthy
Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Special Meeting Notice
December 26, 2019
Please be advised, the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., in the Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard for a review and discussion of the following:
1) Litigation – Carifi Matter; and
2) Contract Negotiations – KemperSports, Inc.
Formal action may or not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Italian American Police Society of NJ recently concluded its Holiday Season with a party for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of NJ. The Society purchased and collected toys for hundreds of at risk children from North Jersey.
The party was held at the American Legion Post 155 in Whippany and had face painting, pizza and lots of bugs and smiles from police officers. “We are excited to give back to the community and brighten the holidays for those less fortunate in our communities,” said Society President William Schievella.
The Society is comprised of more than 5,000 local, county, state and federal law enforcement officers of Italian American ancestry.
MORRIS COUNTY — Paradigm Marketing and Design recently received the Summit Marketing Effectiveness Silver Award from Summit International Awards for their innovative design of the DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law website, www.danddfamilylaw.com. Of the more than 1,400 entries, only the top six percent were awarded the distinction.
The Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award (MEA) recognizes organizations of all sizes for their ability to influence consumers’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs through innovative and leading-edge creative work that uses strategy and results-based effectiveness practices.
“We are honored to be among the select few chosen for this prestigious award,” said Rachel Durkan, Founder & President, Paradigm Marketing and Design. “With a commitment to delivering website designs that are not only innovative and user-friendly, but also support clients’ strategic marketing goals, we look forward to a continued trajectory of success as we partner with customers to exceed their expectations.”
This is the second award Paradigm has received for their exemplary work on the DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law website. Earlier this year, the agency earned the American Web Design Award by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) for their outstanding efforts in print and web design.
Paradigm is a full-service marketing and design agency. Together with their clients, the Paradigm team is focused on one objective: creating impactful initiatives that help achieve long-term growth. Providing excellence is one of the agency’s core values, and they take tremendous pride in the quality of the work they deliver. The agency’s cross-functional team approach ensures that they’re always working together to drive client success.
IHOP employee Matthew Acosta, Brandon Jones, Lisa Elvin, Angie Andujar and Janset Paret
PARSIPPANY — IHOP, 792 Route 46, Parsippany, held a fundraising event for the Elvin family on Saturday, December 21 and raised over $1,000.
The Elvin’s home was destroyed when a structure fire was reported at a single-family home
located at 125 Allentown Road at approximately 5:38 p.m. on Thursday, December 5.
The family is currently living at a local hotel.
IHOP donated 15% of all sales it generated on Saturday, December 21.
If you are looking to donate to help the Elvin family, there is a GoFundMe account set up by Parsippany Hills High School Band Director Michael Iapicca. Click here to donate.
Abdu Yoldas, Ibrahim Yoldas, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Yusuf Yoldas and Sarah Akrami celebrates the Second Anniversary of 1 United MMA House
PARSIPPANY — 1 United MMA House recently celebrated its Second Anniversary. Joining in the celebration with brothers Ibrahim and Yusuf Yoldas was Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Board Members Nicolas Limanov, Ildiko Peluso as well as many students, instructors and families.
1 United Mixed Martial Arts House aims to create a positive atmosphere for their clients by upholding the highest levels of integrity and character. They are here to help our clients reach their goals whether physical or mental. They strive to help every individual reach their highest potential and develop and grow as individuals. Their goal is to instill self-confidence, respect, honesty, discipline, and commitment in all of their clients whether they be children, teenagers or adults. By combining toughness of the mind and body through character development and physical stamina, their clients are able to excel in every aspect of their lives, making them happier and healthier people. 1 United Mixed Martial Arts House is Yusuf and Ibrahim’s way of giving back to the community and enjoining all of its members into a strong and fit family.
Abdu Yoldas, Ibrahim Yoldas, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Yusuf Yoldas and Sarah Akrami officially cuts the ribbon celebrating the Second Anniversary of 1 United MMA HouseSome of the students with the owners at the Second Anniversary CelebrationIbrahim Yoldas, Yusuf Yoldas, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill presents 1 United MMA House with a certificate of appreciation for serving our residents
1 United MMA House is located at 96 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information call (973) 917-3999 or click here.
1 United MMA House is a member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon gives the “Leaping LEO” award to Morris Plains Police Detectives Mike Kelly and Bruce Rapp at the 34th Annual Morris County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers fundraiser on December 9
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers 34th annual fundraiser and networking reception brought out at least 318 guests to support the anonymous tip line program that has led to nearly 500 arrests.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon addresses guests at the 34th annual Morris County Sheriff Crimestoppers fundraiser held on December 9
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon served as host of the elegant gathering Monday, December 9, at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany that drew together law enforcement Officers from throughout Morris County, dignitaries and interested residents.
Officers in the Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Planning Section (COPS) – who serve as liaisons between the Sheriff and CrimeStoppers’ Board of Commissioners – organized the event.
Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano provided information on Sheriff Gannon’s hallmark Hope One mobile substance use resource and recovery program, as Sheriff’s Office Investigator Ashley Craig did on the RSVP-3 program, which Sheriff Gannon started in 2018 in partnership with the Morris County Police Chiefs Association to curb violent incidents in schools.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post #140 were part of the festive occasion, opening doors for guests, answering questions and directing them to seating in a grand hall with buffet dining.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon names Morris County Sheriff CrimeStoppers Chairman John R. Sette the honorary Sheriff.
Sheriff Gannon named John R. Sette, the chairman of CrimeStoppers since its launch in 1985, an honorary Sheriff. He also presented the Morris Plains Police Department with the “Leaping LEO” award – which carried a $1,000 check from CrimeStoppers to the Morris Plains P.B.A. – for using the program more than other municipal police departments in 2019 to help solve its crimes.
“CrimeStoppers has really been a great tool for law enforcement throughout Morris County. And I don’t know where we’d be without it, obviously,” Sheriff Gannon said. Many of the tips pertain to drug-related crimes, he added.
“CrimeStoppers has proven effective and there are many of the county’s most notable residents serving as its commissioners,” Sheriff Gannon said.
CrimeStoppers Chairman Sette established the anonymous crime tip reporting program that offers rewards in 1985 with then-Morris County Sheriff John Fox.
Since CrimeStoppers was launched, police have made 479 arrests as a result of tips. There have been 441 cases cleared and CrimeStoppers has paid out $58,359 in rewards.
The program has achieved a total value of $444,284 in recovered property and drugs.
Sheriff Gannon commended CrimeStoppers for contributing $16,500 to creation and maintenance of the RSVP-3 app. Unveiled in October 2019, the app provides a simple, anonymous forum for students and anyone else to report threats to school safety. Chairman Sette also has been instrumental in securing an additional $7,000 in contributions to support the app.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Detective Sergeant Michael Abate, Detective Sergeant Christina Kovacs, Morris County Undersheriff Mark Spitzer
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Michael Abate and Christina Kovacs – both skilled members of the Agency’s Crime Scene Investigation Section – were promoted Monday, December 16, to the positions of Detective Sergeant.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard added solemnity to the occasion in which Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon administered the oath of office to the new Detective Sergeants in front of their families and fellow Officers in the Historic Courtroom of the Morris County Courthouse.
“The two new Detective Sergeants have distinguished themselves as Officers who perform with absolute integrity some of the most difficult and demanding duties in the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Section of this Agency,” Sheriff Gannon said.
“The Detectives in CSI are subjected to a lot of what goes on in this world, the violence, and they do a phenomenal job. It’s difficult work. But you can’t do it by yourself. This Agency does tremendous work as a result of the cooperation of all the other agencies,” Sheriff Gannon said.
Newly-promoted Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeants Michael Abate and Christina Kovacs with their fellow Officers from the Crime Scene Investigation Section
Both Detective Sergeants are highly educated, with Detective Sergeant Abate currently on loan from the Sheriff’s Office to the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. He was sworn in on October 31 as a Task Force Officer and serves on a financial crimes task force.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Captain Denise Thornton, who commands the CSI Section, gave ceremony well-wishers overviews of the credentials of the Detective Sergeants.
Detective Sergeant Abate graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
A Distinguished Military Graduate, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Military Police Corps. He served on active duty for 10 years, during which he commanded two companies, including the Fort George G. Meade Military Police Company, which was responsible for providing law enforcement to the installation and protecting critical federal assets.
Sergeant Abate also collaborated with federal, state and local agencies that supported the National Capitol Region and the Military District of Washington.
Sergeant Abate served in a variety of assignments throughout the world and directly supported Operation Joint Guardian II and Operation Enduring Freedom. He has held positions as a Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Coalition Joint-Task Force Provost Marshal and Force Protection Officer in support of the Global War on Terror.
Newly-promoted Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeants Michael Abate and Christina Kovacs.
After his separation from the Army, Sergeant Abate worked in the financial industry as a financial advisor and compliance examiner for UBS Financial Services and then as a securities regulator for the New York City District of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.He completed his Army service as the Headquarters Commander of the First Recruiting Brigade, which was responsible for U.S. Army recruiting for the northeast United States.
Interested in continuing a career in law enforcement, Sergeant Abate was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2012. Upon graduating from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, he was assigned to the Protective Services Division and then assigned in 2013 as a Detective to the Crime Scene Investigation section where he is qualified as an expert in fingerprints with the New Jersey Superior Court.
Sergeant Abate has received training in shooting reconstruction, bloodstain analysis, and crime scene photography.
Sergeant Abate earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2015 from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has completed the U.S. Army’s MPs Captain’s Career Course, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, Physical Security Course, and Anti-Terrorism Course. Sergeant Abate has earned the Exceptional Duty Medal and the Veteran Service Medal.
Detective Sergeant Kovacs knew she wanted a career in law enforcement after participating in a Junior Police Academy while in the 6th grade.
Newly-promoted Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Christina Kovacs at her swearing-in on December 16
Detective Sergeant Kovacs received a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Caldwell College in 2009. She then attended graduate school at Rutgers University, from which she received a master of arts degree in criminal justice in 2011.She began volunteering with a Volunteer Fire Department in 2004 and in 2006 was certified as an EMT. She has received a multitude of life-saving awards related to her EMT skills.
Detective Sergeant Kovacs was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in July 2012. Upon graduation from the Morris County Public Safety Academy in 2012, she was first assigned to the Protective Services Division Holding Cell. She was transferred in June 2014 to the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Section, a position that earned her the rank of Detective.
Detective Sergeant Kovacs’ CSI specialties include Motor Vehicle Crash Investigation and Reconstruction, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, and DNA Laboratory Evidence.
Because of her background as an EMT, Detective Sergeant Kovacs has been a member of the Special Operations Group, a partnership between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), since its creation. SOG serves as the medical response team to the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT).
This past November 2019, Detective Sergeant Kovacs was the co-recipient of Sheriff Gannon’s Lifesaving Award. As a member of SOG, she responded on July 14, 2019, to a reported shooting at a home in Jefferson Township.
Disregarding a risk to her own safety, she was part of the team that entered the home to give life-saving aid to a wounded man in the house.
MORRIS COUNTY — The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of New Jersey’s Family Law Attorney Denise A. Wennogle, Esq. as 2019 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction.
The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected to the “10 Best” list must pass AIOFLA’s rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and AIOFLA’s independent evaluation.
AIOFLA’s annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process. One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves attorneys’ relationships and reputation among his or her clients.
As clients should be an attorney’s top priority, AIOFLA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of Family Law without sacrificing the service and support they provide. Selection criteria therefore focus on attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of Client Satisfaction.
We congratulate Denise A. Wennogle, Esq. on this achievement and we are honored to have her as a 2019 AIOFLA Member. You can contact Denise A. Wennogle, Esq. directly by calling (973) 292-1800 or click here.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador David Warner, Committee Chair Barbara Freda, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Nick Shah and Ambassador Alicia Bozza
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member, Shanick, LLC, 90 East Halsey Road.
PACC Executive Board Member Frank Cahill welcomed Nick to PACC and presented Nick with his membership plaque. Shanick is a Real estate development and Residential and commercial lending.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce click here.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents and volunteers that provides education, information and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area.
The ordinance goes in full effect Thursday, February 6, although some area retailers have already started to comply. For instant, Quick Chek, 170 Parsippany Road, charges consumers 10 cents if you require a compliant bag.
