Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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Cedar Knolls Board of Fire Commissioners Welcomes FF/EMT Michael Bergman

By
Frank Cahill
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Michael Bergman

HANOVER — On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Hanover Township Fire District No. 3 Board of Commissioners proudly swore in Michael Bergman as a full-time Firefighter/EMT. The ceremony celebrated Bergman’s dedication and achievements as he advanced from his role as a Full-Time EMT to a career firefighter/EMT.

Michael joined the department over four years ago, bringing passion and professionalism to his position as a Full-Time EMT. During his tenure, he proved himself as a reliable and skilled first responder, earning the respect of his colleagues and the community. His transition to Firefighter/EMT reflects his commitment to advancing his career in public service and taking on new responsibilities.

The swearing-in ceremony was held in Cedar Knolls Fire Department and attended by fellow firefighters, EMTs, Board members, and family members who came to show their support and celebrate this significant milestone in Michael’s career.

As a Firefighter/EMT, Michael will combine his extensive experience in emergency medical services with his responsibilities as a firefighter, contributing to the safety and well-being of Cedar Knolls and the surrounding areas.

Congratulations to FF/EMT Michael Bergman on this exciting new chapter in his career. The department and community extend their best wishes as he continues his journey in service and dedication.





County Breaks Ground on Health & Emergency Multi-Purpose Facility

By
Frank Cahill
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Architectural rendering of the Morris County Health & Emergency multi-purpose facility.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County broke ground this week on a new multipurpose facility on the grounds of the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy to provide improved space for the Office of Public Health as well as garage and storage areas for the county’s key emergency response vehicles, personal protection gear, and life-saving equipment.

The project, located off West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, is being financed through federal American Rescue Plan Act funding earmarked for improving Morris County’s public health facilities and the county’s ability to respond and prepare for public emergencies. The storage area will house vehicles and equipment from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Law and Public Safety, including the Office of Public Health and Office of Emergency Management.

The facility, which will be approximately 65,540 square feet, will cost about $18 million.

The building, in part, will improve operational space, including meeting rooms and storage facilities, for the Office of Public Health as well as expand the county’s ability to house important response vehicles and centralize locations for emergency equipment. The Office of Public Health is currently located in a former armory building a short distance up West Hanover Avenue. That building will eventually be upgraded and repurposed for other county operations.

Site work began last week, and construction is expected to begin soon.





Sheriff Gannon and MCSO Labor Unions Thank Morris County Bar Association for Toy Drive Contribution

By
Frank Cahill
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Sheriff Gannon Thanks Bar Association for Generous Contributions to Annual Toy Drive

MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon and the officers of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Labor Unions expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Larry Cutalo, President of the Morris County Bar Association, for his generous support of this year’s holiday toy drive.

Cutalo personally delivered a collection of new, unwrapped toys gathered by the Bar Association during their annual holiday party. These toys will be distributed to children in need, bringing joy and hope to families facing challenges this holiday season.

“This is what the holiday spirit is all about—coming together to support those who need it most,” said Sheriff Gannon. “We are incredibly grateful to Larry Cutalo and the Morris County Bar Association for their efforts and generosity in making this year’s toy drive a success.”

The Morris County Bar Association’s commitment to the community and their annual tradition of collecting toys for children less fortunate exemplifies the spirit of giving and service. The partnership between the Bar Association and the Sheriff’s Office has made a meaningful impact, ensuring that children in the county have a brighter holiday.

If you would like to contribute to the MCSO’s ongoing holiday initiatives, donations of new, unwrapped toys are still being accepted at various drop-off points throughout Morris County.





Dover Board of Education to Hold Annual Reorganization Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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Dover Board of Education, 21 Belmont Avenue

DOVER — The Dover Board of Education has announced that its Annual Reorganization Meeting will take place on Thursday, January 2, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Dover High School Cafeteria, located at 100 Grace Street, and all members of the community are encouraged to attend.

This important gathering marks the start of the new year for the Board of Education, as it will set the tone for upcoming policies, initiatives, and leadership decisions. The reorganization meeting will include the election of board officers, discussion of goals for the 2025 school year, and the formal adoption of the district’s agenda for the year ahead.

Board reorganization meetings are vital for ensuring smooth operations and fostering transparency in the district’s decision-making process. By attending, residents will have the opportunity to observe the Board’s plans and priorities while also showing support for Dover’s educational community.

The Dover Board of Education emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving the district’s mission to provide a high-quality education for all students. As the announcement notes, “All Are Welcome to Attend.”

Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and join the Board on January 2 to stay informed and involved in shaping the future of Dover’s schools.





Morris County 2025 Reorganization Meeting Set 

By
Frank Cahill
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Commissioner Selen

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will convene for its annual reorganization meeting on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., where Commissioner Tayfun Selen is slated to succeed Christine Myers as director, while Commissioner Stephen Shaw will continue serving as deputy director.

Commissioners Stephen H. Shaw, John Krickus, and Deborah Smith, who were re-elected in November to additional three-year terms, will take their oaths of office. Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, who also was re-elected in November, will be sworn into her second five-year term.

The Board of County Commissioners is composed of seven members. In addition to Shaw, Krickus, Smith, Selen, and Myers, the board includes Commissioners Douglas R. Cabana and Thomas J. Mastrangelo.

  • Stephen H. Shaw is entering his third term on the board. A former mayor and 12-year council member in Mountain Lakes, Shaw currently represents Morris County on the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and was elected secretary of the NJTPA Board of Trustees in early 2024.
  • John Krickus will begin his fourth term as a commissioner. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Krickus previously served 12 years as mayor and committee member in Washington Township. He also has served as board director.
  • Deborah Smith, first elected in 2016, will also begin her fourth term. A longtime Denville council member, Smith served as council president for two years and led the Board of Commissioners as director during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The meeting will be held on the fifth floor of the Administration and Records Building at 10 Court St. in Morristown and will also be accessible for viewing via WebEx:

Join link: https://morriscountynj.webex.com/morriscountynj/j.php?MTID=m41867fbf8815a83a0b31b886bbb8de1a

Webinar number: 2343 955 8420

Webinar password: kEEfCRZh232 (53332794 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Access code: 234 395 58420

Morris County’s seven-member Board of County Commissioners is elected at-large to serve staggered three-year terms. The board oversees policies for six county departments, including Employee Resources, Finance, Human Services, Law & Public Safety, Public Works, and Information Technology. Day-to-day operations are managed by County Administrator Deena Leary, with each commissioner acting as a liaison to specific departments and areas of government.





Man Found Guilty by Jury of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert M. McNally, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson confirmed that a jury has found Alexander Masariego-Flores, 45, formerly of Morristown, guilty of sexual offenses related to his sexual abuse of a child on multiple occasions between February and September of 2023.

The jury returned guilty verdicts on December 6, following a three-day trial. The defendant was found guilty of three counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, two counts of second-degree Sexual Assault, and two counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was found not guilty of one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault.

The Honorable Claudia R. Jones, J.S.C., presided over the trial and scheduled a sentencing hearing in the matter for February 21, 2025. The defendant will remain in custody until that time.

At sentencing, the Aggravated Sexual Assault convictions will be subject to the provisions of the Jessica Lunsford Act, which makes the defendant ineligible for parole for at least twenty-five years, and the Sexual Assault convictions will be subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act (NERA), which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence imposed. Additionally, the defendant will be subject to Megan’s Law registration requirements and the Special Sentence of Parole Supervision for Life.

On September 16, 2023, the Morristown Police Department received a referral regarding the sexual abuse of a child. Thereafter, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Morristown Police Department investigated the referral. The investigation revealed the defendant sexually abused a child on multiple occasions between February and September 2023 at her home in Morristown, and that he sexually abused the child on one occasion in front of another child.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the successful guilty verdicts, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the Morristown Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department. The Prosecutor commended Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa DiSturco, Assistant Prosecutor Tina DiFranco, Detective Raquelin Perea, and all others who contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution in this case.





Dover Board of Education President Announces Run for Town Council

By
Frank Cahill
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Daniella Mendez, President of the Dover Board of Education, announces her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Dover Town Council in Ward One, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and a vision for a stronger community.

DOVER — Daniella Mendez, a trailblazing leader and President of the Dover Board of Education, has announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Town Council in Dover’s First Ward.

“I am running for Council because I believe in Dover’s potential,” said Mendez. “Ward One deserves leadership that is responsive, proactive, and fully committed to our community. Together, we can create a future that reflects the strength and resilience of our town.”

Mendez made history in 2021 as the first trans woman elected to a Board of Education in New Jersey and served as Board President in 2023 and 2024. She chose not to seek re-election to focus on her vision for Dover’s future as a candidate for Town Council.

“During my time as Board President, I saw firsthand the power of open and honest conversations to unite people and bring clarity to challenging issues,” Mendez said. “I believe that collaboration, courage, and a commitment to transparency are key to moving Dover forward, and I am ready to bring that approach to Town Hall.”

Mendez’s campaign centers on building on Dover’s strengths and addressing key priorities such as quality of life, fiscal responsibility, trust, accountability, and unity. She plans to officially kick off her campaign with an event in late January.

Mendez will be seeking the council seat currently occupied by Claudia Toro, whose term is up December 31, 2025.

“The future of Dover is bright, and I believe that by working together, we can achieve so much more,” said Mendez. “This campaign is about turning the page and focusing on what unites us as a community. I am excited to show the residents of Ward One that, with collaboration and determination, Dover can truly thrive.”





2025 Leadership Announced: Selen and Shaw to Drive Morris County’s Vision

By
Frank Cahill
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Freeholder Tayfun Selen (left) with Freeholder Stephen Shaw

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Commissioners has appointed Tayfun Selen as Commissioner Director and Stephen Shaw as Deputy Director for 2025. Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali lauded this decision and emphasized their potential to provide fiscally conservative leadership.

Ali noted that the team is committed to maintaining low taxes, investing in infrastructure and education, and continuing the county’s legacy of success, which includes achievements such as having New Jersey’s top-rated county college and vocational school district and maintaining a “AAA” bond rating.

During the announcement, Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, emphasizing his commitment to connecting with residents and upholding fiscally conservative policies.

Deputy Director Stephen Shaw expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Selen and the rest of the board to sustain Morris County as a prime location for living, working, and leisure.

This new leadership team is positioned to advance Morris County’s success and ensure prosperity for its residents in 2025.





Gerard Freda Reflects on 16 Years of Service to the Hanover Park Regional High School Board of Education

By
Frank Cahill
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Gerard Freda, DMD

EAST HANOVER — Gerard Freda, DMD, concluded his remarkable 16-year tenure on the Hanover Park Regional High School Board of Education with a heartfelt farewell during his final meeting. Over five terms, Freda’s leadership and dedication left an indelible mark on the community, contributing to the success of both Hanover Park and Whippany Park High Schools.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the Hanover Park Regional High School Board of Education these past 16 years,” Freda began, addressing the attendees. “Serving this community for my five terms has been a wonderful experience.”

Reflecting on the board’s accomplishments, Freda highlighted three successful referendums, numerous initiatives, and lasting improvements that enriched the academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs offered to students. He emphasized how these collective efforts propelled Hanover Park and Whippany Park high schools to become among the top-performing institutions in the state.

“Together, we raised the quality of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs available to our students,” Freda said. “Our work has left a lasting impact on their lives and on the future of this district.”

Freda expressed profound gratitude to the individuals and teams who supported him throughout his journey. He acknowledged Superintendent Maria Carrell, Board Administrator Bill Albert, former Superintendent Carol Grossi, and his fellow board members—both past and present—for their shared commitment to advancing the district’s goals. He also extended his appreciation to the administration, staff, and parent communities, crediting their partnership and dedication as pivotal to the district’s progress.

“As I step away, I leave with full confidence that Maria, Bill, and the new board will continue to drive our district forward with their strong dedication and vision of the future,” Freda remarked.

Freda closed his speech by thanking the community for the trust and confidence placed in him over the years. “It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve you,” he said, his voice reflecting both pride and gratitude.

With his departure, the Hanover Park Regional High School District bids farewell to a leader whose legacy of service, collaboration, and vision will continue to inspire.





Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney Named 2025 MCPCA President

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Dover’s Chief Delaney Takes Helm as MCPCA President

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Police Chiefs Association (MCPCA) announced Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney as its 2025 President during the association’s annual holiday luncheon at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park. Chief Delaney’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the MCPCA’s mission to unify law enforcement efforts and enhance public safety throughout the county.

In addition to Chief Delaney’s installation as President, the MCPCA welcomed its 2025 Executive Board:

Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney
  • Vice President: Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando
  • Vice President At Large: Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski
  • Sergeant at Arms: Madison Police Chief John Miscia
  • Treasurer: Wharton Police Chief David Young
  • Secretary: Hanover Police Chief Michael Loock

Chief Delaney expressed his commitment to advancing the association’s goals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and professionalism among Morris County’s law enforcement agencies. “It is an honor to lead this dedicated group of professionals as we work to strengthen public safety and improve the quality of life for the communities we serve,” Delaney said.

The MCPCA plays a vital role in fostering cooperation among police departments, enhancing training, and implementing innovative strategies to combat crime and protect residents. With a new slate of officers, the association looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence in law enforcement.





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