Senator Anthony Bucco is presented with a certificate of appreciation and an American flag in recognition of his support for veterans and service members, honoring his dedication to the community.
MORRIS COUNTY – Chaplain Major Aaron Oliver was honored to present Senator Anthony Bucco with an American flag and a commemorative plaque in recognition of his unwavering support for deployed service members.
The flag, symbolizing the sovereign power of the United States of America, was proudly flown aboard an AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter over Iraq and Syria on September 5, 2024, during Operation Inherent Resolve. Task Force Guardian, part of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, carried out this mission.
Chaplain Major Aaron Oliver presented Senator Anthony Bucco with an American flag and commemorative plaque, symbolizing the flag’s flight aboard an AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter on September 5, 2024, during Operation Inherent Resolve. This honor recognizes the Senator’s unwavering support for the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and its mission.
The presentation took place in Senator Bucco’s office, where the plaque detailed the significance of the flag and its role in symbolizing the resolve and dedication of the men and women of the United States Army. Senator Bucco expressed his gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the brave individuals serving our nation.
“It is always an honor to be with my friend Chaplain Major Aaron Oliver,” said Senator Bucco. “I feel privileged to receive this meaningful recognition, and I will continue to support our troops and their families.”
This heartfelt gesture exemplifies the strong bond between local leaders and the military community, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made to defend freedom and protect our country.
A folded American flag, carefully preserved, symbolizing honor and respect for the service and sacrifices of our nation’s heroes.
Every acre we protect and every river mile we restore begins with you. Your support helps us take on the dual threats of climate change and biodiversity loss across 80+ countries and territories.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC), based in Chester, is hosting a free winter webinar series highlighting the state’s rich natural resources and conservation efforts. The series is open to the public and includes three engaging programs:
1. The Wild and Scenic Maurice River
Date/Time: Thursday, January 30, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Hosts: Erika Iouriev, Preserve Steward at TNC, and Karla Rossini, Executive Director of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River.
Details: Explore the history, ecology, and recreational opportunities of the 35.4-mile Maurice River, a critical habitat for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway.
2. Critter Crossings: Making New Jersey’s Roads Safer for Wildlife and People
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 25, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Hosts: Phil Echevarria, Director of Government Relations at TNC, and Gretchen Fowles, GIS Specialist/Biologist at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Details: Learn about initiatives to make New Jersey’s roads safer for both wildlife and people.
MOUNTAIN LAKES – Sammy Simon has been named to the Miami University Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. This recognition is awarded to students who rank in the top 20 percent of their undergraduate division, highlighting their academic dedication and success.
Miami University, founded in 1809, is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university is committed to delivering an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price. It serves over 22,600 undergraduates and 2,200 graduate students.
The university offers more than 100 areas of study and fosters an engaging research environment with premier teacher-scholars. For more information, visit MiamiOH.edu.
MADISON—Miami University has named Finn Collier to the Dean’s List for his outstanding academic achievements during the fall 2024 semester. This distinction is awarded to students who rank in the top 20 percent of undergraduate students within each division and reflect their commitment to academic excellence.
Collier is a graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep, Class of 2021.
Established in 1809, Miami University is renowned for offering an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price. Located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, Miami serves more than 22,600 undergraduate students across over 100 areas of study and more than 2,200 graduate students in 78 master’s and doctoral programs. The university is consistently ranked among the top 50 national public universities by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit MiamiOH.edu.
HANOVER — On December 21, 2024, Hanover Township Police Officer Carlos Najera arrested Sharday Clark, 24, and a juvenile who resided at the Red Carpet Inn.
Officer Najera encountered Ms. Clark on the property despite her being previously trespassed and prohibited from being there. When the officer attempted to stop her, Ms. Clark fled. Officer Najera pursued and apprehended her, but she physically resisted by refusing to comply with commands to place her hands behind her back. Following a brief struggle, Ms. Clark was taken into custody.
During the incident, a juvenile interfered with the arrest, resulting in charges of obstruction, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. The juvenile was later released to a parent.
Ms. Clark was charged with trespassing, resisting arrest, and obstruction and was subsequently lodged in the Morris County Jail.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER — On December 30, 2024, Hanover Township Detective Edward Zakrzewski charged Derphia Pittman, 54, East Orange, with theft.
Madison Police discovered Ms. Pittman possessed Amazon packages belonging to a Whippany resident.
The investigation revealed that Ms. Pittman had taken multiple packages from the victim’s front porch. She was charged accordingly and is awaiting a court date.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
EAST HANOVER — Christopher P. Stephen, a SUNY Canton Sports Management major earned Dean’s List honors during the fall 2024 semester. Christopher is a Class of 2020 graduate of Hanover Park Regional High School.
“The achievement of earning honors represents a milestone in your academic journey,” said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. “That journey inspires others to dream big and work hard while paving the way for future success. Congratulations from the faculty, staff, and administration at SUNY Canton!”
Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who earned a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74.
SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college’s career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology.
Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 23 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.
Jeff Paul signs an Oath of Office formalizing his position as president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association
MORRIS COUNTY — Jeffrey S. Paul, Director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), was sworn in as president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association
Col. Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, conducted the ceremony at the Administration and Records Building in Morristown. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who graduated the 20th Basic Police Class with Paul at the former Morris County Police Training Academy in 1983, held the Bible.
MCPO Deputy Chief of Detectives Jan-Michael Monrad, MCPO Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Col. Patrick Callahan, Jeff Paul, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Sheriff James Gannon.
“For this new assignment, I am grateful and truly humbled by the enormity of the responsibility and commit to accepting the challenges that lie ahead. There are many — both known and unknown,” said Paul. “The men and women that make up the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinators Association in our 21 counties, along with everyone in this room, come from various backgrounds with unique gifts offered in service for the good of the people, who are counting on us to protect and defend. This is what I was born to do.”
The event also was attended by Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Commissioner Deborah Smith, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Director Scott Di Giralomo of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, senior staff at the Morris County administration and members from the county’s various departments.
“As we speak right now, our OEM is on the phone with California for what may be the most devastating fire in our nation’s history. New Jersey was the first to place a call and collectively we will go and help. Whether it’s Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Texas, Hawaii or California — fill in the blank. When people say, ‘Who can help us in a time of crisis?’ It’s New Jersey. And it’s because of men like Jeff Paul,” said Col. Callahan, who also serves as the state Director for Emergency Management.
Paul has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency management, and EMS operations. He started his career with the Morristown Bureau of Police in 1979 and later served as captain of tactical operations with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office until his retirement in 2012.
“Only a short 42 years ago, Jeff and I were graduating classmates of the police academy. We’ve come a long way since then, but our joint mission has always been the same: to protect and serve our communities. Just look at his list of achievements: this is the right man for the job of president of the emergency management association!” said Sheriff Gannon.
As director of the Morris County OEM, Paul manages emergency response partnerships across the 39 county municipalities. He also serves as the county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coordinator and oversees the county’s EMS program, including the deployment of pre-hospital emergency response assets.
Paul also commands the county’s Special Operations Group which provides advanced life support/basic life support (ALS/BLS) services for the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team tactical teams, the bomb squad, and HAZMAT units. He led the team responsible for developing the county’s Rescue Task Force Program and is a Class 2 Officer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
During President Donald J. Trump’s first term, Paul coordinated ALS/BLS teams that supported the U.S. Secret Service and White House Medical Team on visits to New Jersey and will continue those efforts during President Trump’s next term.
“We are very proud that Morris County’s director of OEM has been selected to lead the state’s emergency management association, and rightly so. Jeff is a consummate professional and his decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency management will bode well for the state,” said Prosecutor Carroll, who also spoke at the ceremony.
Paul is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the International School of Tactical Medicine, and a certified tactical medical practitioner with numerous advanced certifications. He has written articles and contributed to the resource guide, “Ciottone’s Disaster Medicine,” in addition to lecturing extensively on emergency management topics. He has also taught programs and courses throughout the state and serves as an instructor for the New Jersey State Police.
“This is a tremendous honor for the Department of Law & Public Safety. What we do in Morris County is critical, and having the opportunity to influence emergency management statewide through collaboration with all 21 counties and the state police OEM will strengthen preparedness and response efforts across New Jersey. I have no doubt that Jeff will excel in representing the county and OEM coordinators throughout the state,” said Law & Public Safety Director Di Giralomo.
The New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association represents emergency management leaders from all 21 counties. Its mission is to protect lives and property within New Jersey and to work with all relevant emergency support functions (ESFs) that support these efforts.
Richard Acceturo Honored with Kiwanis Membership Plaque by President Matthew O'Leary
BOONTON — The Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town recently celebrated the induction of two new members, Shery Ilyas, and Richard Acceturo, during a special ceremony led by Club President Matthew O’Leary.
During the event, O’Leary highlighted the club’s mission, stating, “Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome new members? Today, we’re very pleased to welcome Shery and Richard to our club. We welcome them to our global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”
Richard Acceturo, owner of West Orange Jewelers in Parsippany, brings over 40 years of expertise in fine jewelry and exceptional customer service. He joined Tri-Town Kiwanis to actively support initiatives that benefit children in the community.
Tri-Town Kiwanis President Matthew O’Leary Welcomes Shery Ilyas with Official Pin Ceremony
Shery Ilyas, a digital marketing specialist at Parsippany-based A3Digital Media and a graduate of Parsippany High School, is passionate about community service. Shery is excited to contribute his skills and energy to meaningful projects that make a positive impact.
The Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town is part of a global volunteer organization that dedicates more than 6 million service hours and invests over $100 million annually in projects aimed at strengthening communities and improving the lives of children. Locally, the Tri-Town club ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives, firmly believing that helping one child can help the world.
The Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town serves Boonton Township, Mountain Lakes, and the Town of Boonton.
In addition to its community efforts, Tri-Town Kiwanis actively supports Key Clubs at Boonton High School and Mountain Lakes High School. Key Club is the oldest and largest student-led service program for high school students, empowering young people to develop leadership skills while fostering a lifelong commitment to service.
If you are interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town, contact Matthew O’Leary at (646) 887-7636 or visit the website here.
