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Council Candidate Musella’s Statement on Soriano Budget Crisis

Press Release
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Council Candidate Musella’s Statement on Soriano Budget Crisis

PARSIPPANY — Council candidate Justin Musella released the following statement on the rapidly deteriorating situation with the Soriano Administration’s budget crisis.

“By attempting to place blame with the council for the township’s budget woes, Soriano has shown he is incapable of taking responsibility for his woeful mismanagement of our local government. Not only has he failed to introduce a balanced budget as required by law, but his behavior has also shown a complete lack of empathy for Township employees by using them as pawns for his political games. As pointed out in the Council’s bipartisan opposition to his budget gimmicks, it is Soriano’s sole constitutional role to present a budget and have it approved.

Reporting from Parsippany Focus and the Daily Record revealed Business Administrator Fred Carr sent an email to all department heads shifting the blame onto the Council and put into place a promotion, raise, and hiring freeze until further notice. Prior to this email, however, Soriano promoted his Public Information Officer to Confidential Aide with an accompanying $20,000 raise. This inappropriate and unfair action shows he is incapable of placing the public’s interest before his own and continues a streak of nepotistic mismanagement. I am calling on Soriano to take responsibility for his years of running our finances into the ground, work on introducing a reasonable budget, and stop blaming others for issues of his own creation. Instead of posting pictures on Facebook of his newly adopted cat, how about proposing a sound budget that the Council can adopt.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills School District Honors Retirees

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills School District Honors Retirees

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills School District honors its retirees, teachers, and staff with 25 years of service and Teacher of the Year.

Council Fires Back at Business Administrator and Mayor

Frank L. Cahill
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Council Fires Back at Business Administrator and Mayor

PARSIPPANY — In an interoffice email from Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator Fred Carr to “Department and Division Heads” he is quoted as saying “Based on our ongoing budget discussions, the time has come to take the following actions with regards to the 2021 yet to be introduced budget.” Effective immediately.

In order to provide a balanced budget recommendation as requested by the members of Council: 

  1. Most capital spending will be reduced/deferred until 2022, details to follow.
  2. All scheduled overtime will cease. Unscheduled overtime as a result of emergencies needs to be closely controlled.
  3. All Professional education or attendance at training, seminars, unless required by Collective Bargaining will cease. Individuals may choose to attend class or professional development at their own expense if desired, but the Township will be unable to reimburse them.
  4. Attendance at the NJ League of Municipalities will not be reimbursed by the Township.  This includes entry badges, hotels, meals, or travel expenses. This includes members of Boards and Commissions (aka planning and zoning, etc. plus all employees, Mayor and Council Members).  Individuals may choose to attend the convention at their own expense.
  5. We are in a hiring freeze and promotional freeze,  wherever additional compensation is considered, effective immediately. Minor hiring allowed in Recreations to support summer programs starting soon can move forward.

Juan (referring to CFO Juan Uribe) and I will be meeting with selected Department Heads this week to fine-tune our numbers. Get out your pencils, sharpen them, and be prepared for considerable pain. We are now in the discussion of ending programs and services.

The Township Council did not request the budget cuts or create the budget shortfall that this Administration

Council President Michael dePierro

Council President Michael dePierro said “I just became aware of a June 21 email that was recently sent to all Township Department Heads by our Business Administrator that misrepresents a list of five very severe budget cuts developed BY THE ADMINISTRATION as being requested by the Township Council in order to balance the budget. This sends a wrong message to our employees and to the public. The Township Council did not request the budget cuts or create the budget shortfall that this Administration finds itself in … this falls upon the Administration. In producing the Township budget, the Administration must follow State mandates. The State of New Jersey mandates that all Municipalities produce:

  • A balanced budget (revenue equals expenses).
  • A budget that remains within the State mandated CAP.
  • A budget that follows the Appropriations CAP.
  • A budget that falls within the Levy CAP.

“As of June 22, the Township Council has not received a budget that is certified by the Township Auditor. The Auditor cannot certify the budget until the budget meets all of the State mandates. When the Administration finally submits a certified budget to the Council, we can then review the budget, make changes (if needed), and finally adopt it.”

“If the Administration is looking for advice on areas to cut, I would recommend all of the new, administrative positions that have been created in the past three years. The salary, pension, and benefits of many of those positions exceed six figures.”

“As I stated in a previously issued memo, “During a Mayor’s first year in office, he can blame the previous administration for almost anything and get away with it. During the second year, not so much. By the third year, the Mayor owns the budget and any poor fiscal practices are completely on him. If the Mayor has not started developing a Fund Balance to protect the Township in the last three years, that omission falls on him,” continued dePierro.”

“At the June 15 Council meeting, the Township Council gave the Business administrator a mandate. The Business Administrator distributed an email to department heads reflecting tax increases and budget cuts that would meet the Council’s demands. Since early May, Council President Michael dePierro has advocated for a 14.6% tax increase and felt that this was more suitable to Parsippany residents than borrowing on a low-interest special emergency note. As Mayor, I’m open to any discussion that doesn’t involve the Council’s astronomical tax hike.” said Mayor Michael Soriano.

Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.

Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. said “Months ago the council was presented with a budget by the administration that did not meet state regulations including but not limited to things that were listed as revenues that are not and can not be used as revenues. Therefore making it a “bogus” budget. The budget was deemed by the auditor and the state as to be in violation. Therefore the council requested the administration provide a budget that meets all state regulations. To say the council wants to raise taxes by 14% is ludicrous. We expect a budget from the administration that keeps a tax increase within the 2% cap and that meets all state regulations that we can review. Recently the council became aware of a directive to department heads addressing budget cuts. We have also become aware of an employee in the Mayor’s office and his administration receiving a new title and a $20,000 raise just before the memo to all department heads directing a hiring freeze, a cease in promotions, and overtime amongst other things.  The timing of the memo just after this promotion and raise is again ludicrous. I support all our hard-working employees and to blame this budget crisis on the council and to take it out on our employees is not right and will not be tolerated.

Mayor Soriano blames the Township Council for the severe budget cuts that he must make, then he blames me for wanting a 14.6 % increase

dePierro replied in a Facebook post “I just read a preposterous statement made by Mayor Michael Soriano that “I advocated for a 14.6 % tax increase, and felt that this was more suitable to Parsippany residents than borrowing on a low-interest special emergency note”. The truth is, the unanimous Council decision not to borrow $5 million is that the taxpayers would have to pay back $1 million per year for five years plus interest. The Mayor had no idea how the Township would pay back that loan, he just wanted to kick the can down the road and get past this election year. First Mayor Soriano blames the Township Council for the severe budget cuts that he must make, then he blames me for wanting a 14.6 % increase. He takes no blame for the budget crisis that he, alone, is responsible for.”

“Regarding your June 21, 2021 email to the Department Heads, it is misleading to associate the five action items, determined and supported by the Administration, to reduce appropriations as if those actions were at the request of the Town Council. There is no reason to even mention the Town Council in your email. A balanced budget is collectively required by the State of NJ, Township Auditor, and Town Council. In order to avoid any misinterpretation, please send an email to the Department Heads clarifying your statement. Please include or send separately a copy of your email to Loretta Gragnani and me with a copy to Khaled Madin,” stated Vice President Janice McCarthy.

Business Administrator Fred Carr responded to Ms. McCarthy “Thank you for the email with regards to the 2021 Budget. I am aware that ” A balanced budget is collectively required by the State of NJ, Township Auditor, and Town Council.”  The Council, during the meeting of  15 June 2021 asked that administration work with the Auditor and provide a balanced budget.”

When asking Mr. Carr if clarification was sent to the Department Heads, he replied I know that a clarification was not sent.

Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani

Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani said “As a member of the Finance Committee at no time during those meetings and Council Meetings were recommendations made to the budget. Currently, the Council has not received a balanced budget from the Administration and until one is received by the Council all revisions and recommendations are the responsibility of the Administration.”

“The budget has not been presented to the council. Until that happens, no budget decisions are at the command or recommendation of the Council. That decision-making responsibility sits solely with the administration until the decisions are complete. As I have said before: I look forward to seeing the Mayor’s completed budget at which time, the council will review the completed presentation,” said Councilwoman Emily Peterson.

Video: Parsippany High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony

Frank L. Cahill
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Video: Parsippany High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony

PARSIPPANY — Video: Parsippany High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony

Video: Parsippany Hills Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony

Frank L. Cahill
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Video: Parsippany Hills Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony

PARSIPPANY— Video: Parsippany Hills Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony

Parsippany Hills High School Graduation 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Hills High School Graduation 2021

PARSIPPANY — Principal Dr. Matthew Thompson announced the graduates of 262 students for the Class of 2021.

The 2020-2021 Class Officers were Ester Fifo, President; Amisha Patel, Vice President; Gowri Konkesa, Secretary and Abigail Jandora, Treasurer.

Graduates included Jillian Marie Adubato, Michael P. Agostinho, Justin Aguirre-Rosas, Muhammad Aqib Ali, Rami Ray Almarzoh, Varenya Alvakonda, Nicholas Falcon Andrew, Camilo Arango, Emily Jane Arnold, Haseem Arshad, Rithvik Ayyalasomayajula, Madison Bailey, Marissa Bella Baker, Jacqueline Lucero Baldarrago, Michael Francis Savas, Jack Anthony Bellardino, Brett J. Berry, John K. Bhat, lshaan Bhatt, Shaleen Mangesh Bordawekar, Sean N. Boufford, Haley H. Breslauer, Rebecca Sarina Brugaletta, Nayeli Buezo Jimenez, Angelina Noelle Butarascu, Jose De Los Angeles Caballero Molina, Julian Dominic Cachuela, Brandon Jarrett Callan, Jessica Anne Capozzi, Justin Logan Celencevicius, Marcus Luis P. Celestino, Saad N. Chaudhry, Susan Chen, Kyle Joseph Cipkins, Christina Marie Culotta, Jessica Currao, Matthew Vincent Damiano, Matthew Degady, Michael Degady, Deep K. Desai, Neelay M. Desai, Samay Malay Desai, Sweta Malay Desai, Sohan Srivatsav Deshapaga, Sumreen Dhillon, Andrew Joseph DiLauri, Christopher O. Dogbe and Bruce Harrison Downing, Jr.

Also Nicholas Philip Durso, Sandra Duszkiewicz, David R. Edmiston, Christian Fernandez, Sarah Louise Fichter, Esther Oluwaseyi Fifo, Nicholas Fred Floris, Brandon Fontanella, Samantha Marie Fornini, Nadirah I. Freeman, Gian Marco Fuentes, Chandni R. Gajipara, James Garcia, Yahir Garcia-Tellez, Alyssa Guarneri,  Nicholas Gerard Gubernot, Taylor Mackenzie Gudelanis, Tyler Gurth, Russell Hasani, Mallie P. Henderson, Lauren Grace Hernandez,  Lauren Nicole Higdon, Jacob Joseph Hockwitt, Maia Grace Hoffman, Ian W. Hopkins, KrystalHsieh, Zhi-Yi Hsu, Alyssa H. Huang, Jessica Yan Huang, Anthony E. lancu, Isabella Rose lmperati, Vanessa Lynn lradi, Dana Elizabeth luspa, Daniel Patrick Jakubiak, Abigail Jandora,  Jake Ryan Jasiecki, Kamaya Leilani Jones, Nevaeh S. Jardine, Ujvala Jupalli, Mariana Jurado Gaviria, Nicole A. Kafka, Hinal S. Kalavadia, Andrew X. Keane, Brady Lee Kells, Ridhi Kempegowda, lrfan Ali Kermalli, Laila R. Kirstein, Haritha Kollipara, Pearl Caroline Kolluri, Sunetra M. Komathchal, Gowri Reddy Konkesa, Abhay Krishna, Renata Krysztofik, Sharanya Kumar, Madhava R. Kunderan, Alwin M. Kurian, Jeffrey Kwan, Ivy Lai, Jamie Lai, Thomas Lally, Christine Lam, Nikhita Lavu, Abigail M. Lee, Marissa Brooke Lailo Lerman, Avianna Rose Loper, Alyssa Gabriella Lopez, Dakota Alexis Lynch, and James Patrick Lynch.

In addition Anshika Madan, Robin Mager, Nandini R. Majmudar, Meer M. Malek, Sana Malek, Allison Nicole Marino, Jaeden Russell Martin, Lillian B. Martin, Aakash A Maurya, Alexander Mazzara, Joseph Andrew McClusick, Darien Alice McEnroe, Nitya S. Mehta, Sreemanth Meka, Daniel Menendez, Cristofer Raja Mezger, Derrik Mirochnik, Harsh Pranay Mistry, Nidhi H. Mistry, Alexandra Lynn Monroe, Leticia Moraes, Olavo Moraes, Tanyaradzwa Emeldah Mudzinganyama, Jake Thomas Murphy, Aleksandre Museridze, Rithvik Nakirikanti, Adwait Naware, Robert A Nese, Arnold Hong Nguyen, Jimmy T. Nguyen, Erin Margaretta O’Gorman, Catherine E. O’Neill, Kendall Elizabeth Pachiolo, Davida Fafali Padi, Sanskaar Pahwa, Jarod P. Palatini, Angela Patricia Palazzo, Vidhi S. Parekh, Jordan Frances Paris, Elise Christina Parisi, Tatyana Aaliyah Parker, Juhi V. Parmar, Jillian G. Pasquino, Amish K. Patel, Amisha India Patel, Arya Patel, Avi K. Patel, Darsh S. Patel, Dhruvaben Patel, Disha H. Patel, Harini Prakash Patel, lsha Patel, Jaykumar V. Patel, Kirtan Dhaval Patel, Maahi Patel, Mihir C. Patel, Neha R. Patel, Rahi Ketur Patel, Reva K. Patel, Rick D. Patel, Aneri Path, Reva Mangesh Pathre, Aditya Reddy Patur, Emma Adair Peters, Abigail Elizabeth Phelps, Jonathan J. Pietrowicz, Derek Plata Teutle, Jennifer Portillo, lshana Bindhyachal Prasad, Nadira Rahman, Jack Collins Raia, Nakul Raj, Mansi Rana, Agamya A. Rao, Jasmyn A. Reid, Ian Joseph Reo, Jack Reppen, Allison Rice, Brian Robert Ries, Ulises Roldan,
Jaden J. Roman, Trevor Rosamilia, Delia Elizabeth Ryerson, Samantha Nicole Salazar, Ty Sallie, Tyler A. Salmon, Nerina Jade San Martin, Thilak G. Sankar, Olivia McMann Santana, Deep Jaimin Shah, Dev Jaimin Shah, Kashyap N. Shah, Ravi Shah, Rhea Shajan, Adit Sharma, Rohan Sharma, Rodrigo Bittencourt Shauy, John Andrew Shields, Olivia Marie Singh, Swetha Sivakumar, Seta Grace Skahill, Jacob Ian Smith, Olivia May Smith, Ashley I. Sokolowski, Nicole S. Sokolowski, Maya K. Solanki, Sujith Somayaji, John J. Sotardi,
Saileash Srinivasan Kalaivani, Andrew J. Stark, Shawn Nicholas Stavrou, Christopher R. Swanson, Aleesha Syed, William Essam Takieddine, Priscilla Tam,  Zachary Thomas Taylor, Jordan Thompson, Aidan Yuenhang To, Emily Nicole Tourso, Erin-Marie Tracy, Riti Trambadia, Tyler Tran, Jack Tremaroli, Valerie Anne Trento, Nicholas Tsangaropoulos, Janae Melanie Turner, Udayan Vashisth, Meet S. Vekaria, Kristina Verderamo,  Chloe M. Vergel de Dios, Jessica Faith Verile,  Michael A. Ververs, Sophia Elizabeth Vicenzino,  Andre Vo, Noelle Ellen Volpe, Henry Robert Wayland, Cory Wechsler, Samantha Woodell, Anthony Robert Yarussi, Nicolle Zapata, Adriana Maria Zelayandia, Sofia Victoria Zevallos, Sarah Marie Ziler, Taylor Elizabeth Zitelli, Vasili I. Zois, and Nicholas Joseph Zorzoris.

Parsippany High School Class of 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany High School Class of 2021

PARSIPPANY — Principal Dr. Denis Mulroony announced the graduates of 227 students for the Class of 2021.

The 2020-2021 Class officers were Jessica Reich, President; Eileen Zhang, Vice President; Jasmine Bhavar, Secretary and Mia Petrolino, Treasurer.

Class of 2021 President Jessica Reich addresses the Class of 2021

The Class of 2021 graduates are Emily Adawi, Russelle Aguirre, Kevin Ahearn, Arezzo Morccal Ahmadi, Ayaan Ahmed, Luke Alleyne, Angela Andujar Rodriguez, Shane Apito, Islarnin Faruk Arasan, Bryan Costa Araujo, Kayshla Araya, Mohammed Arman, Adam Ashi, Amanda Aza, Suraj Balanagu, Breanna Lynn Batelli, Clayton J. Bemauer, Jasmine Bhavsar, Brook Lynn Bierals, Margaret Jonelle Boch, Kaitlyn Rose Bourdette, Sierra Brda, Abigail Bresalier, Chloe Lynn Budd, Joseph Bundrick, Roxanne Burby, Nicola Cacciapaglia, Camron Cagatay, Teoman Can, Briana L. Capo, Mariah Christine Caponigro, Christian Caporelli, Christopher Casaliggi Jr., Esra Doga Cavuslar, Fiona Blair Celli, Emily Gabriella Chacon, Julissa Luisa Chacon,  Pratham Bhavendrarao Chavan, Gavin Cheng, Varshini Chennupati, Elizabeth Anne Cogan, Joseph Colasuonno, Brianna Colemam, Michaela Coleman, Mariah Nicole Colon, Anthony Cordasco, Gennelle Kyla Cruz, Jessica A. Cruz, Dominick D’Ascoli,  Lara Damra,  Elisa M. de la Torre, Peter Alexander De Mare Jr.,  Alexandra Nicolette De Martinis, Maame Arna Tiwaa Debrah, Atharva Deokule, Lindsey Kate Depetris, Nidhi Desai Shreya Desai, Neil Deshpande, Jenna C. Devens, Para Dhulashia, Trevor Di Macco, Taha Diricanli Magdalene Dobkowski, Tatjana Dobrijevic, Natalie Donda, Owen Eke, Mohammed S. Elzain,  Zachary Tyler Harris-Enslin, Aminata Fall, Emily Rose Feola, Aiden Figueroa, Justice Fitzgerald, Christina Fitzsimmons, Diana Elisa Galante, Krutarth Gandhi, Yash Garala, Joshua Garcia, Elvin L. Garcia Granwell, Jonathan Gasparro,  Hannah E. Go, Nathaniel Gongora, Julian Goodwin, Christopher Jon Hagerman, Justin Paul Hagerman, Michael Hammer, and Amna Hanif.

Board of Education President Frank Neglia presents Nicholas Sherry with his diploma
Heidi Hansberry presents her son Seamus with his diploma

Also Seamus Edward Hansberry,  Brooke Bredina Henao, Juan David Hernandez Flores, Joel Hernandez-Mendoza,  Samantha Hincapie Limate, Christopher Michael Holler,  Wael Homsi, Nimeesha Huq, Celina Huynh, Kevin Ryder James, Kenneth James Johnson, Dan Kalen Kabore, Charles Kachulis, Derek Kaiser, Rohan Kapadia, Sarah Elisabeth Katz, Abraham Khan, Hamza Ali Khan, Sameer Khan, Aadarsha Khatiwada, Antara A. Kotwal, Joshua Kreitman, Samantha Kruger, Manan Lad, Aidan Sebastian Lafuente, Kenneth R. Lee IV,
Joseph S. Leogrande, Wendy Leon, Christopher Francesco Leone, Sarah Elizabeth Lepre,
Rainie Li, Anson Lin, Jeffry J. Lopez Perez,  Morgan Ashley Lorencovitz, Jacqueline Lui,
Eric Maciag, Sana Majid, Aunmol Malik, Praneal Mandavia, Camila Martinez Montijo, Michael Vincenzo Marucci,  Dominic James Masherelli, Gianna Olivia Masherelli, Gianna McConnon, Joseph McConnon, Peter McMaster, Melanie Mejia, Alanna Yrene Mendoza, Jacob Meth, Meera Mistry, Kayla Riane Mlynarski, Farrah Mohamed, Malaika Mohammad, Snigda Nadella
Ankitha Rangaswamy Nagabhushan, Sajjad Nazari, Thanvi Nimmala YuktaNyati, and Sarah Grace Olsen.

Board member Susy Golderer presents Jacob Meth with his diploma

Also Carlos Ortiz, Lesly Karina Paguay, Samman Kumar Pandey, Alessandra Raquel Parziale, Vasanth Pasumpadiyar, Anisha Patel, Avi Patel, Dhrasti Patel, Jaagrat Patel, Neer Patel, Pathey Patel, Rahul Patel, Rishi Patel, Ritika R. Patel, Jared T. Pechman, Adarsa Pedada, Christina Noel Peterson, Mia Grace Petrolino, Sydney Petzinger, Zachary Andrew Petzinger, Diana Pham, Tolsi Pipalia, Nicholas Pisillo, Fraidoon Pourooshasb,  Kevin Michael Preston, Gwin Promprated, Nicole Antonia Rago, Panah Rahmat, Purvi Ranade, Janani Rao, Jessica Taylor Reich, Dennis Pera Ribeiro, James Riedinger, Denise Rodriguez, Dominic Romero, Abhilasha Devendrasinh Salunia, Sebastian Sanchez, Jackson Robert Sandelli, Sajjad Sarwary, Anas Sawalhi, Benjamin Scalchi, Mark J. Shachov, Soumil Shah, Swara Shah, Ahmad Sharafi, Jackson David Sharpell, Nicholas John Sherry, Mohammad Shaheer Siddiqi, Jamie Solomon, , Joelle Elena Spirock, Julia Strain, Dominick Stull, Giovanna Stull, Esin Surmeli, Victoria M. Taco, Nirbhav Talloju, Venkata Tanguturu, Dylan M. Tannu, Kaleigh Mae Tkach, Janna Alexandra Torres, Chaitanya Trivedi, Michael Angelo Turo, Arianna Elizabeth Urban, Rohan Vaghela, Ronak Vaghela, Austin Van Buren, Ethan Velasquez, Rachel Beth Volarich, Riddhi Mayank Vyas, Jaleel Wali, William Edward Walker, Karrnina Wall, Tyler Ray Wang,  Jing Xuan Wei, Sean Wisniewski, Emma Wright, Karen Yousef, Eileen Zhang, Max Zhang, Lindsey Zicker and Alexander M. Zitelli.

Final Parsippany Republican Primary Results

Frank L. Cahill
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Final Parsippany Republican Primary Results

PARSIPPANY — The official results in the Republican Primary Race has been updated.

The last update posted on the Morris County Elections website was on Tuesday, June 22 at 12:30 p.m.

According to the website, ballots cast at the polls, mail-in, and all provisional ballots have been counted.

Candidate Position June 8 June 18 Additional
Louis Valori Mayor 2,013 2,172 159
James Barberio Mayor 2,275 2,356 81
Justin Musella Council 1,763 1,894 131
Gary Martin Council 1,629 1,763 134
Frank Neglia Council 1,758 1,809 51
Deborah Orme Council 1,485 1,534 49
Robert Peluso Council 1,269 1,329 60

Council candidate Frank Neglia leads Gary Martin by 46 votes. Candidates have ten days after the votes are certified to file for a recount.

There were a total of 797 mail-in ballots, with Lou Valori receiving 524 votes and James Barberio receiving 267; There were a total of 111 provisional ballots with Lou Valori receiving 64 votes and James Barberio receiving 47. Valori lost by a total of 183 votes.

James Barberio won 25 voting districts out of the 39 districts. Barberio received 51.90% of the votes and Valori received 47.86%.

Editors Note: This article was updated with the official results on Tuesday, June 22.

Dunn Bill Ensuring College Students Have Access to Mental Health Services Passes Assembly

Frank L. Cahill
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Dunn Bill Ensuring College Students Have Access to Mental Health Services Passes Assembly

PARSIPPANY — This past year’s college experience looked a lot different, and it affected students’ mental well-being. Addressing the increased stress, anxiety, and depression on campuses in New Jersey, the Assembly passed a bill requiring colleges to connect students to mental health services.

“The college life that many had imagined was put on hold or canceled. Campus closures due to the coronavirus, restrictions on socializing, and uncertainty about future careers are wreaking havoc on students’ mental health,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a prime sponsor of the legislation. “While we know that students are experiencing more mental health disturbances, we also know they are not reaching out for help when they are in crisis. We need to make sure they are aware of the services that are available and they have that lifeline any time they need to talk to someone.”
Under the bill (A3007), higher education institutions in the state are required to ensure access to campus-based mental health care programs and services and provide newly enrolled students with information on their location and availability starting in the 2021-2022 academic year. Students unable to access on-campus services must be provided assistance and referrals. Additionally, 24-hour toll-free telephone hotlines for those experiencing a mental health crisis must be advertised in dormitories, libraries, and student centers.
“Providing information on mental health services at the beginning of the semester, when you are learning about how and where to access all the resources you need, reduces some of the stigma surrounding seeking out psychological help,” said Dunn. “Students will get information on everything from dental to mental. In order to prevent potential tragedies, we want to normalize mental health care so that they feel comfortable reaching out for help.”
Before the pandemic, Rowan University reported three suicides in just over two months in the fall of 2019. Last October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported suicide had become the second leading cause of death among 10-to-24-year olds. In August 2020, the CDC released a report on the pandemic’s effect on mental health that identified a disproportionate number of 18-to-24-year olds, about one-quarter of those surveyed, had seriously considered suicide in the last 30 days.
“Coronavirus shutdowns and closures have prevented people from scheduling doctors’ appointments and put people into isolation, both of which carry consequences to one’s health and well-being,” explained Dunn. “Mental health cannot wait. It has to be convenient and easily accessible for the person in crisis and this bill will help meet this timely need.”

Planning Board to hold Meeting on Monday, June 21

Frank L. Cahill
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Planning Board to hold Meeting on Monday, June 21

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board will hold a meeting on Monday, June 21, at 7:30 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.

Click here to download the agenda.
Click here to access the meeting.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Special Meeting Scheduled for June 23, 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Zoning Board of Adjustment Special Meeting Scheduled for June 23, 2021

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 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 call (973) 263-4286 or email njolie@parsippany.net.

 

 

 

Protect Local Waterways Through Green Team’s Storm Drain Audit

Frank L. Cahill
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Protect Local Waterways Through Green Team’s Storm Drain Audit

PARSIPPANY — Building on the Township’s efforts to align with Sustainable Jersey’s environmental goals, the Parsippany Green Team announced plans to crowdsource a township-wide audit of every storm drain through a user-friendly mobile app, called iVolunteer.

Between now and August 15, The Parsippany Green Team needs to get as many volunteers as possible to take part in cataloging storm drains along 900 streets and over 100 businesses in Parsippany.

“It sounds like a lot to do in a short amount of time,” acknowledged Srini Eda, a Green Team volunteer, and creator of the Storm Drain Audit. “But if we can get 100 people to sign up to take part in this, we can have the whole project completed in a matter of a few weeks.”

Users can install the iVolunteer app on their mobile devices, then select from a list of streets needing photos. Users then upload their photos of each storm drain along a street into the app’s database until the street completed.

The biggest reason for this initiative is evident after any significant storm makes its way through Parsippany. Often after storms roll through, bottles, garbage, and debris stretch along gutters and roads, flowing into waterways, and ultimately back into the water residents drink.

Sadly, this is far from an isolated issue. According to recent estimates, the Atlantic Ocean is filled with nearly 220 million tons of plastic waste. This plastic breaks down into smaller particles that fish and other organisms eat, disrupting their ecosystem, and ultimately making its way back into our own food.

“The Storm Drain Audit is an important step in combatting water pollution locally,” said Eda. “Once we know what our storm drains look like, we’ll get a better understanding of what changes are needed to stormwater and runoff management.” This could include adding more restrictive storm drain plates that have been shown to greatly reduce downstream plastic and garbage scattering by containing it at the source.

Volunteers completing 10 or more streets between now and August 15 will be recognized by the Parsippany Green Team. Students in Parsippany schools can even earn Community Service hours by taking part in this effort.

“This stormwater audit project is the first of its kind in New Jersey,” said Eda. “There’s no blueprint on how to do this sort of thing. But we need to come up with real solutions on how we can reduce the plastic pollution in our streams and waterways, and we’re going to need our community’s help along the way. It’s just the right thing to do.”

For more information on the Storm Drain Audit, email admin@keepmystreetgreen.org. To download the iVolunteerApp, click here.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Shred-A-Thon

Frank L. Cahill
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Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Shred-A-Thon

MORRIS COUNTY — Come out for the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Shred Event! Do you have paper piled up? In need of a good shredding? Bring your unwanted paper to the SHRED-A-THON on Saturday, June 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon in the parking lot of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 Route 10 West.

Watch as your unwanted personal and/or business papers are safely and conveniently shredded and disposed of on-site in a matter of minutes.

We suggest a donation of $10.00 per banker’s box of paper. All proceeds will support the homeless animals at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.

Class of 2021 Thanks Sponsors for Supporting Project Graduation

Frank L. Cahill
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Class of 2021 Thanks Sponsors for Supporting Project Graduation

PARSIPPANY — On behalf of the students, parents, and staff members involved with Project Graduation for the Class of 2021 they would like to thank the supporters for their continued support of this activity. All contributions are used to defray the costs of supplies, rental fees, and entertainment.

It is because of your continued support that Project Graduation in Parsippany is a success. The parents, students, and staff of the Class of 2021 thank you for your continued support!

A.J. O’Connor Associates Inc.
Acorn Carpet Care
Acorn Home Improvements, Inc.
Action Carpet Care & Maintenance
Advanced Electronic Medical Billing, Inc.
Advocare, LLC
Anthony Franco
Alan Jay Rich, LLC
Alan Rauchberg, DMD Dental Group PA
All-Ways Advertising
Anthony & Sons Bakery
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
Baldwin Bagel
Baldwin Pizza
Bedding Shoppe
Bharathi Thyagarajan
BJ’S of Ledgewood
Brooklawn PTSA
Caggiano Orthodontics, LLC
Central PTSA
Cerbo Lumber & Hardware
Colonial Heights, LLC
Custom Decorators Workroom, LLC
Cutting Edge Landscaping of NJ LLC
Denville Dental Group
Dia-Dent Designs, Inc.
Dunkin Donuts, Lake Hiawatha
Eastlake School PTA
Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Empirical Labs Inc.
Floyd Hall Arena
Foodtown of Lake Hiawatha
Parsippany High PTSA
Parsippany Hills PTSA
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge No. 2078
Partridge Run Management LLC
Patel Family
Paul Miller Porsche
Paul’s Diner
Priola Funeral Service, Inc.
PTF Sports
PTLLW, Inc.
Randy A. Spector – Family Medicine of Morris
Red Iron Technologies
Ritschel Chiropractic & Wellness
Robert J. Iracane
Rockaway Meadow PTA
Roth Children’s Center, LLC
Saint Peter the Apostle Church
Severna Operations, Inc.
ShopRite of Greater Morristown
ShopRite of Parsippany
Fuddruckers of Parsippany
Garofalo O’Neill Ruggierio, LLC
Gourmet Café
Gripp Plumbing & Heating, LLC
Hills of Troy Neighborhood Association
Himanshu & Devani Patel
Hollister Construction Services
Home Depot of Parsippany
I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 102
Intervale School PTA
James N. Greenlees
Kiwanis Club of Greater Pars
Kings Food Market
Knollwood Elementary School PTA
Lake Hiawatha Country Club, Inc.
Lake Hiawatha PTA
Lake Parsippany PTA
Littleton PTA
M. Bernstein & Sons – Newark Tobacco & Candy Co., Inc.
Matthew A. Snyder, CPA, LLC
Matthew Pierone – Pier-Gerald LLC
McDonald’s (Nandrian Corporation)
McDonald’s Parsippany
Michael Konner
Montclair Radiological Association
Morris County Building Trades
Morris Hills Veterinary Clinic
Mount Tabor PTA
Napoli Transportation, Inc. TIA C&L Towing
Northvail PTA
Palermo’s Pizza
Paradise Total Spa and Nails
Parsippany Foot & Ankle LLC
ShopRite STARS Program
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Stop & Shop of Morris Plains
Sunrise Shoprite of Parsippany LLC
Susan Kroeger
The Michael Konner Corporation
Theresa Gerber and Elena Gerber
Thom-Mist, Inc.
Triple Crown Sports
Troy Hills Elementary School PTA
U A Pipefitters Local 274 of Journeymen & Apprentices
of the Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry
Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 10184
Virginia Hendrickson
Wan Fu Yuan, Inc.
Wegmans – Hanover
Whole Foods of Parsippany
William F. Masters Jr., P.P. LLC
Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills

Donate to Parsippany’s Diaper Drive

Frank L. Cahill
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Donate to Parsippany’s Diaper Drive

PARSIPPANY — Want to help out parents of newborns? Here’s your chance! The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, in collaboration with Mutual Morris, is holding a Township Diaper Drive next weekend, June 25-27 at Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Donate brand new, sealed baby wipes and diapers of any size and we’ll get them directly to families in need.

Parsippany Republican Primary Results Still Not Final; Race To Close To Call

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Republican Primary Results Still Not Final; Race To Close To Call

PARSIPPANY — The Republican Parsippany Primary Election is still not over. As of noon on Friday, June 18, provisional ballots are still pending. The election was held on Tuesday, June 8, or ten days ago and the results are still unofficial.

Morris County has 390,765 registered voters and only 56,086 ballots were cast or 14.35%.

The last update posted on the Morris County Elections website was on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 10:51 a.m.

Although the Morris County Board of Elections would not disclose how many provisional votes were remaining uncounted in Parsippany, they assured me they would all be counted today and the final numbers will be released by the end of the day. Unconfirmed sources told Parsippany Focus there are approximately 130 provisional votes not counted.

Candidate Position June 8 June 16 Additional 
Louis Valori Mayor 2,013 2,108 95
James Barberio Mayor 2,275 2,308 33
Justin Musella Council 1,763 1,839 76
Gary Martin Council 1,629 1,711 82
Frank Neglia Council 1,758 1,783 25
Deborah Orme Council 1,485 1,507 22
Robert Peluso Council 1,269 1,299 30

Council candidate Frank Neglia leads Gary Martin by 72 votes.

A paper ballot (provisional ballot) is used by a voter when there is some problem in establishing a voter’s eligibility. The ballot will be counted only if election officials determine that the person was in fact entitled to vote.

 

 

 

Police Chief Andrew Miller Retires

Frank L. Cahill
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Police Chief Andrew Miller Retires

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has learned from numerous reliable sources that Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Andrew Miller has submitted his retirement.

According to Peter Koerella, Public Information Officer, he has confirmed that Chief Miller submitted his retirement effective July 1, 2021.

Miller has retired with 30 years of service in good standing.

In addition “At this time the Township has not named an intern or permanent Chief. Parsippany is Civil Service and will be holding a test for eligible candidates. We don’t know the details of the test at this time.”

Police Chief Andrew Miller was sworn in as Parsippany’s Police Chief by Mayor Michael Soriano on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

At the time of his swearing-in, Soriano said he was the eighth chief in the history of Parsippany.

Miller replaced Paul Philipps who retired on February 28, 2018.

Township Council and Mayor Soriano Issue Joint Statement on SRO Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Township Council and Mayor Soriano Issue Joint Statement on SRO Program

PARSIPPANY — There has been an understandable concern in the community about the School Resource Officer program and its essential value to our students, teachers, and the Township.

It has been stated before, but it absolutely bears repeating under no uncertain terms: the SRO program must continue and will continue.

The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is in full support of the SRO program. It is the shared belief of both the Township Council and Mayor Soriano that SRO and Class III officers are as important to our community as our entire police force. There has never been any wavering in support of this program.

As has been stated before, negotiations are ongoing. The discussion has never been about whether or not to fund the program – it will be funded. The discussion centers around where the funding comes from. It’s a critical discussion taking place between the Township, its Council, and the Board of Education. Whether funding comes from Board of Education budget, or the Township budget, the SRO Program is a shared service funded collectively by the Parsippany taxpayer.

The Mayor, Town Council, and the Board of Education all understand that this program is important when it comes to the safety of our schools, our students, and our teachers.

One thing must be emphasized throughout these negotiations: every single person involved in this discussion wants the same thing – to have a strong and supported SRO program. We all embrace the importance and immeasurable value of this program to our community, and it’s up to each and every one of us to come to a fair and equitable agreement in sustaining the program and all the incredible work being done.

As all parties involved look forward to an amenable agreement, it is important to remember that these negotiations are a process, guided by sound fiscal practices, and a commitment to protecting our schools. We are all confident that a fair solution to this matter will be reached in the weeks to come.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Special Meeting – June 16, 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Special Meeting – June 16, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – June 16, 2021.

Click here to download the agenda.

Acting Morris County Prosecutor and Chief of Detectives Hold Promotion Ceremony for Investigators

Frank L. Cahill
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Acting Morris County Prosecutor and Chief of Detectives Hold Promotion Ceremony for Investigators

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the promotion of several members of the investigative team within the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The following members will be promoted and assigned as indicated:

Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Deputy Chief Robert McNally, and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker

Captain Robert M. McNally will be promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Investigations and will oversee the Investigative Division. A graduate of the West Point Command and Leadership Program and a United States Marine Corps veteran, Deputy Chief McNally began his law enforcement career in 1996 with the United States Customs Service. In 2003, he was hired by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a detective and was initially assigned to the Intelligence Unit and the Professional Standards Unit. In 2005, he was re-assigned to the Major Crimes Unit where he worked for approximately the next 12 years, being promoted to sergeant in 2011. After being promoted to lieutenant in 2013, he was transferred to the Specialized Crimes Division, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Professional Standards Unit, Financial Crimes, Missing Persons, Juvenile and Domestic Violence Units. Promoted to captain in 2016, he most recently oversaw the Courts and Administrative Division, which encompasses the General Investigations Unit, the Pre-Trial Services Unit, and the Firearms/Training Unit.

Deputy Chief McNally has earned several recognitions during his law enforcement service, including being honored as “Detective of the Year” by the Morris County Detective’s Association in 2007 for his work on a homicide investigation, and his direct involvement in a federal, one million dollar currency seizure related to narcotics smuggling. He is also a Firearms Instructor, Hostage Crisis Negotiator, a former member of the Tactical Narcotics Team, and a bagpiper with the Morris County Police Pipes and Drums.

Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Captain Steven Brylinski, and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker

Lieutenant Steven M. Brylinski will be promoted to the rank of Captain and command the Tactical Division. Captain Brylinski began his law enforcement career with the Investigative Division of the Waterfront Commission of the New York Harbor in 2002, assigned to the Port Newark, New Jersey, field office. He joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2005 as a detective assigned to the Professional Standards Unit, the Sex Crimes/ Child Endangerment Unit, the Arson/ Environmental Crimes function within the Major Crimes Unit, and in 2012, was reassigned to the Major Crimes Unit. While assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, Captain Brylinski has earned recognitions from the Morris County Detective’s Association and New Jersey Homicide Investigators Association. Promoted to the rank of sergeant, in 2015, he was transferred to the Sex Crimes/ Child Endangerment, as the unit sergeant, until being promoted to the rank of lieutenant and remaining with the Sex Crimes/ Child Endangerment Unit. In 2019, he was assigned as the lieutenant to supervise the Professional Standards Unit, the Arson/ Environmental Crimes Unit, and the Financial Crimes Unit. Captain Brylinski holds a Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and a Master’s degree from Seton Hall University.

Sergeant Mark L. Castellano will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will continue to be assigned to the Firearms, Training, and Humane Law Enforcement units. Having begun his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Lieutenant Castellano joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2002, being assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit. Promoted to detective supervisor in 2006, he was transferred to the Professional Standards Unit. While at this rank, he was assigned to the Intelligence Unit, Community Affairs Unit, Fugitive Unit, Juvenile/Missing Persons Unit, Special Enforcement Unit within the Special Operations Division, Training/Firearms Unit where he was the Training Coordinator and Supervising Firearms Instructor, and General Investigations Unit. In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of detective sergeant, where he assumed the responsibilities of Training Coordinator/Supervising Firearms Instructor, Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Master Resiliency Trainer, and Master Implicit Bias Trainer.

Lieutenant Castellano has been a member of the Tactical Narcotics Team and the Rapid Deployment Team, and he is a Firearms Instructor, Police Training Commission Certified Instructor, Field Training Officer, Accreditation Manager, Defensive Tactics Instructor, North Region Master Resiliency Trainer, ASP Instructor. He has taught at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy for the last fifteen years.

Sergeant Michael J. Gomez will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will be assigned to supervise the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment and Megan’s Law units. A United States Army veteran, Lieutenant Gomez started his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer in Randolph Township. He joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2013 and was assigned to the General Investigations Unit, and later the Juvenile/Missing Persons Unit, the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, and Major Crimes Unit. In 2016, Lieutenant Gomez was promoted to the rank of detective supervisor within the Major Crimes Unit. In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant within the Intelligence /Homeland Security and High Tech Crimes Units. In 2020, he was transferred back to the Major Crimes Unit in the role of sergeant.

Lieutenant Gomez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master’s Degree in Justice Administration and Public Service. He has been awarded multiple Life-Saving awards and other honors, including the Bronze Star Medal by then-Secretary of the Army John McHugh. Lieutenant Gomez still serves in the US Army Reserves and is currently assigned as a Special Agent within the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command.

Sergeant Joseph M. Soulias will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will supervise the Professional Standards, Insurance Fraud/Financial Crimes, and Arson/Environmental Crimes units. Lieutenant Soulias began his law enforcement career in 1986 as a State Trooper with the New Jersey State Police. He was assigned to the Organized Crime Unit, the Official Corruption Unit, detective sergeant of the Missing Persons Unit, detective sergeant first class of the Document Fraud Squad, and the lieutenant of the Missing Persons Unit. In 2013, Lieutenant Soulias joined the Morris County Sheriff’s Office as a detective assigned to Cold Case Homicide Investigations. He joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2015, being assigned to the General Investigations Unit and Financial Crimes Unit. In 2017, he was promoted to detective supervisor assigned to supervise the Financial Crimes, Insurance Fraud, Professional Standards and
Arson/Environmental Crimes Unit of the Specialized Crimes Division. He was promoted to detective sergeant in 2018 and assigned to supervise the Financial Crimes, Insurance Fraud, Professional Standards, and Arson/Environmental Crimes Unit of the Specialized Crimes Division.

Lieutenant Soulias holds a Bachelor’s degree from Trenton State College and a Master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He is also a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and has been a member of the Morris County Crisis Negotiation Team since 2015.

Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Sergeant Sasha L. Gould, Sergeant Janine M. Buchalski, and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker

Detective Supervisor Janine Buchalski will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will be assigned to supervise the Professional Standards, Insurance Fraud/Financial Crimes, and Arson/Environmental Crimes units. Sergeant Buchalski started with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a victim advocate in 2004. In 2008, she was promoted to the rank of detective and during that time, assigned to the General Investigations, On-Call Missing Persons, Domestic Violence, and the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Units. In 2012, she joined the Division of Criminal Justice, where she was assigned to the Government Corruption Bureau. In 2015, Sergeant Buchalski joined the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation as a special agent. She returned to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2017 and was assigned to the Professional Standards Unit, where she was promoted to detective supervisor in 2020. She is the first female Morris County Prosecutor’s Office fire investigator.

Sergeant Buchalski has been recognized by the Morris County Detective’s Association and is a classroom, firearms, defensive tactics, and physical training instructor.

Detective Supervisor Sasha L. Gould will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will be assigned to supervise the Major Crimes Unit. Detective Supervisor Gould began her law enforcement career in 2009 with the New Jersey Transit Police Department, where she worked as a police officer, in both a uniform and plain-clothes capacity, and was assigned to a robbery and narcotics task force with the Newark Police Department. In 2013, she joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a detective. During her tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Sergeant Gould has been assigned to the Professional Standards Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Bias Crimes Unit, Major Crimes Unit, and Intelligence/Homeland Security Units. Promoted to detective sergeant in 2019, she was assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, Missing Persons, Juvenile Unit, and Domestic Violence Unit.

Sergeant Gould holds a Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and has received commendations for her Morris County service.

Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Sergeant Thomas M. Joiner, and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker

Detective Supervisor Thomas M. Joiner will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will be assigned to supervise the Intelligence/Homeland Security units. Starting with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as an intern in 2009, Sergeant Joiner was hired as an analyst in 2010 and became an agent. In 2012, he was promoted to detective. Following graduation from the Basic Police Academy, Sergeant Joiner was assigned to the General Investigations Unit before being transferred to the Intelligence Unit, which integrated the Homeland Security Unit. In 2018, he was promoted to detective supervisor and assigned supervision of the Intelligence Unit, the Homeland Security Unit, and the High Tech Crimes Unit. In 2020, he supervised the new Morris County Auto Theft Task Force, created in conjunction with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association.
Sergeant Joiner holds a Master’s degree from Northeastern University and is certified as an expert witness in Electronic Surveillance and Mobile Device Technology. He has served as president of the Morris County Detectives’ Association since 2016 and Quartermaster of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team since 2015. He is also the County Terrorism Coordinator for Morris County and the Intelligence liaison with both the NJ OHSP and the NJ State Police.

Detective Jimmy W. Atoche will be promoted to the rank of Detective Supervisor and will assist in supervising the Special Enforcement Unit. A United States Army veteran, Detective Supervisor Atoche began his law enforcement career in 2014 with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for courthouse security and the personal protection of Superior Court judges and their immediate families. In 2015, Detective Supervisor Atoche joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, where he was assigned to the General Investigations Unit and the Domestic Violence Unit before ultimately being assigned in 2016 to the Special Enforcement Unit. In 2019, Detective Supervisor Atoche was assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Transnational Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Enforcement Task Force.

Detective Supervisor Atoche sits on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. He has received numerous individual and unit awards and commendations from the NJNEOA and the Special Enforcement Unit. While in Afghanistan, Detective Supervisor Atoche was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge.

Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Detective Supervisor Stephen D. Carro, Detective Supervisor Luis D. Goncalves, and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker

Detective Stephen D. Carro will be promoted to the rank of Detective Supervisor and will continue to be assigned to the Fugitive Unit. Detective Supervisor Carro embarked on his law enforcement career in 1998 while working at the Juvenile Detention Center. In 1999, he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office where he worked in Protective Services, Warrants, was a Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and was sent on loan multiple times to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. He spent 14 years on the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, where he was a point man and also a team leader. In 2013, Detective Supervisor Carro joined the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, where he served in the Homicide Task Force, Special Victims Unit, and Firearms Unit. In 2015, Detective Supervisor Carro returned to Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, where he has been assigned to the General Investigations Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Training Coordinator, Firearms Unit, Weapons Return Unit, and currently the Fugitive Unit. Detective Supervisor Carro has held numerous instructor positions and certifications, including being Police Training Commission Certified: MOI Instructor, Firearms Instructor, PT Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor, as well as MEB and PR-24 Instructor.

Detective Luis D. Goncalves will be promoted to the rank of Detective Supervisor and will continue to be assigned to the Arson/Environmental Unit. Detective Supervisor Goncalves began his law enforcement career in 2006 as a police officer with the New York City Police Department, assigned to the 5th Precinct. In 2008, he became a police officer with the Madison Police Department, where he was appointed corporal within the Patrol Division. His duties included serving as a Field Training Officer, an Arson Investigator, a member of the Emergency Services Unit, a member of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team, a firearms instructor, and was also a past president of the Patrolman Benevolent Association Local 92. He joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2017 and was assigned to Pre-Trial Services Unit, General Investigations Unit, Insurance Fraud Unit, and Arson/Environmental Unit. He is also is a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, a member of the Tactical Narcotics Team, a Firearms Instructor, and a trustee with the Patrolman Benevolent Association Local 327.

Detective Supervisor Goncalves attended college at the Bergen Community College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and is continuing his education with Excelsior College. He is a past volunteer firefighter with the North Arlington Fire Department and served on the executive board of the Portuguese American Police Association. He is a Certified Arson Investigator with the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, a New Jersey Hazmat Technician, and an ATF-trained post-blast investigator. He has received various commendations and recognitions.

Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Keith J. Franco, and Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll

In addition to the promotions, Keith J. Franco was sworn in as a Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective and will be assigned to the Professional Standards Unit. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Franco served as a detective in the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, a member of the Organized Crime/Gangs Bureau and Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. He has also held positions as a disability claims manager and project controller in the private sector. Detective Franco holds a Bachelor’s degree from the College of New Jersey, a Master’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology, and has completed various professional training courses. Formal ceremonies were held on June 14 and June 15, 2021. Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “We all know that law enforcement is a challenging career. These promotions elevate each promotee to a position of higher trust and sensitivity and reflect our confidence that they will meet and exceed the high standards demanded in professional policing today. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is fortunate enough to have such dedicated and skilled law enforcement professionals, and am I proud to initiate these well-earned promotions to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and distinguished performance.”

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.

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