NEW JERSEY — Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, along with national, state, and local leaders, attended the 2020 Commemoration Ceremony for the 19th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. United States and New Jersey flags were lowered in tribute to the victims of the attacks.

MORRIS COUNTY — Please join Morris County – in person (please follow CDC guidelines) or via live stream – for a remembrance ceremony as we honor those lost on 9/11 at the memorial on West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany, on Sunday, September 13, 6:00 p.m.

PARSIPPANY — Rosemary Becchi, candidate for Congress (NJ-11) introduces the Bill of Rights for All Individuals with Disabilities policy initiative.

“While Washington politicians focus on partisan bickering and putting politics ahead of New Jersey families, our most vulnerable citizens are being left behind during this pandemic, said Becchi. “In Congress, I will always fight for the most vulnerable. That’s why one of the first pieces of legislation I will sponsor is a Bill of Rights for All Individuals with Disabilities.”

“Rosemary Becchi is a champion for people with disabilities. Rarely has there been a leader who is willing to fight for the rights of underserved and marginalized populations. She will be a game-changer in Congress.” said Dr. Steven Perlman, Global Clinical Director and Founder of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes.

Upon the release of the initiative, Rosemary Becchi stressed the goal to protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of children and adults living with a disability. “I am a fighter- I have personally advocated for resources and fairness for my family and now I want to continue this fight on a broader level for the people of New Jersey.”

The Bill of Rights strives to raise awareness, fight discrimination, and foster respect for the rights and dignity of those marginalized individuals.

The Bill of Rights For All Individuals with Disabilities focuses on 7 major pillars:

• Community: Access to in-home, community, and mobility support services so that those with disabilities may live independently.
• Accessibility: Providing a means for those with disabilities to access the world around them.
• Employment: Providing an equal right to seek employment in the public and private sector with reasonable accommodations, while also promoting entrepreneurship.
• Education: Providing inclusive, primary and secondary education, vocational training, adult education, and lifelong learning.
• Healthcare: Eliminating current barriers to health and wellness services, while providing the disabled with facilities within their residential communities that ensure quality and affordable healthcare.
• Advocacy: Affording disabled individuals the right to support and protect their own best interest or having a family member/caregiver protect their rights on their behalf.
• Awareness: Providing public awareness campaigns designed to promote positive perceptions and greater social awareness, while promoting their contributions as well.

“Too often individuals with disabilities experience discrimination and barriers that prevent them from participating in everyday life. These individuals are exposed to a greater risk of exploitation and restrictions of obtaining a full life. Rosemary Becchi recognizes the need to protect the civil, social, and economic rights of all individuals with disabilities by pursuing the establishment of the bill of rights for all individuals with disabilities.” Ashley Moore, BCBA Director.

Becchi has a daughter and nephew with disabilities, making this topic a personal one for her and she has made this initiative a cornerstone of her campaign.

For more information, including full text click here.

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling and Deputy Surrogate Christopher Luongo were guest speakers at the Morris County Funeral Directors Association meeting in Randolph.

Surrogate Darling spoke about the Surrogate’s Court and her efforts to update and modernize operations since taking office in January. The Surrogate also discussed how her office and the New Jersey Superior Courts worked through the state shut-down, challenges, and difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As many of Morris County residents endured hardships during this difficult time, my staff remained ready and able to continue to provide needed services,” said Darling. “As the state slowly continues to reopen, I welcome any opportunity to speak in person with the business community as well as Morris County residents. I look forward to reengaging with people on a personal level because this office deals in very personal matters,” Darling added. “I will also continue to provide my “Surrogate Sessions” (virtual seminars) to address important community issues relevant to my office and its services. My goal is to be accessible to all residents, especially those who cannot get out to attend public and in-person meetings.”

To schedule a public speaking engagement, contact the Surrogate’s Office at (973) 285-6500.

For more information on the Morris County Surrogate’s Court and/or upcoming educational sessions are known as the “Surrogate’s Sessions” click here.

DENVILLE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Denville Township Police Chief Frank Perna announce the sentencing of two males in connection with a motor vehicle incident that occurred on June 13, 2019, in Denville.

On August 27, 2020, Wanya McHenry, 19, with a last known address in Newark, was sentenced by the Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C. to four years in New Jersey State Prison with 18 months parole ineligibility.

On May 27, 2020, McHenry entered guilty pleas to second-degree Use of a Juvenile in Theft of Automobiles and third-degree Receiving Stolen Property before Judge Ironson.

On September 4, 2020, Alakir Wardlaw, 20, with a last known address in Orange, was sentenced by the Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C. to five years in New Jersey State Prison with 42 months parole ineligibility.

On April 22, 2020, Wardlaw had entered guilty pleas to second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second-degree Employing a Juvenile in Theft of Automobiles, second degree Eluding, third-degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and third-degree Resisting Arrest before Judge Ironson.

The charges arise from an attempted car theft that occurred in Denville on June 13, 2019. While responding to a report of a stolen Toyota Highlander at approximately 1:38 a.m., Denville Police encountered two vehicles, including the stolen Toyota Highlander and a Dodge Durango.

Further investigation revealed that the Dodge Durango was previously reported stolen out of Montclair. When police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the Dodge Durango, the Toyota Highlander impeded the stop and both vehicles fled from the police.

The Dodge Durango ultimately crashed into a Denville Police Department patrol vehicle and the driver and passenger fled on foot. The driver of the stolen Dodge Durango was subsequently identified as Alakir Wardlaw; the passenger of the vehicle was identified as a juvenile male.

A subsequent search of the stolen Dodge Durango that was driven by Wardlaw revealed a defaced handgun. Shortly after the chase, police located the stolen Toyota Highlander abandoned a short distance away. The driver of the Highlander was subsequently identified as Wanya McHenry.

Prosecutor Knapp acknowledges members of the Denville Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit who contributed to the successful prosecution of this matter.