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Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement Achieves 8th Prestigious Accreditation Award

By
Frank Cahill
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Sheriff’s Officer Travis Somerville, Detective Captain Denise Thornton, Corporal Laura Bertelli, Investigator Ashley Craig, Officer Kayla Santos

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has applauded the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement for achieving national reaccreditation, a demanding process that measures compliance with the most advanced standards on policy, procedures, operations, training, administration, and support services.

The prestigious, advanced reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) is the first accomplished by the administration of Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who was sworn in as the 77th Sheriff in January 2017.

The agency first was awarded CALEA accreditation on March 21, 1998, and has now been reaccredited seven consecutive times.

Sheriff James M. Gannon with CALEA Assessors Thomas Clark and Charles Groover

“I and the entire Freeholder board commend Sheriff Gannon and his officers for maintaining these nationally recognized standards of excellence and for being accountable, fair-minded, and community-oriented in how they deal with the citizens of Morris County. This is a very important achievement, particularly in this volatile era when some citizens and law enforcement are clashing in other parts of this nation,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

Sheriff Gannon and Sheriff’s Office Detective Captain Denise Thornton were among Sheriff’s Office sworn Officers who were joined at a virtual Freeholder Board work session on Wednesday by CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley and CALEA Regional Program Director Paul MacMillan, who provides on-going accreditation guidance to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

Executive Director Hartley gave the Freeholders a glowing appraisal of the accreditation efforts of the Bureau of Law Enforcement, which met 361 rigorous reaccreditation standards.

“These efforts take strong leadership of course, as well as technical support, but they also require every member of the organization, both sworn and non-sworn, to embrace the concepts of accreditation and consider the implications of their actions in regard to our standards,” Executive Director Hartley said.

Sheriff’s Officer Travis Somerville, Detective Captain Denise Thornton, Corporal Laura Bertelli, Investigator Ashley Craig, Officer Kayla Santos

“Although I don’t think there has been a difference in this in the course of history, now more than ever, it’s critical for law enforcement agencies to commit to doing the right thing, the right way, and having accountability as a part of their organizational make-up.  Again, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office embraces this concept through accreditation and allows CALEA as an independent body to examine its most sensitive and complex operations to confirm its commitment to this important business philosophy,” Executive Director Hartley said.

Sheriff Gannon also commended the agency for maintaining the highest quality standards.

“Achieving reaccreditation is a rigorous process but necessary, I believe, to show the community that the Morris County Sheriff’s Office strives for excellence and transparency. I asked the assessors to kick the tires and look into everything because we welcome the scrutiny. It’s a true credit to everyone in the Bureau of Law Enforcement that its quality has again been affirmed,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is one of just two Sheriff’s Offices in New Jersey to be nationally accredited. Statewide, 17 law enforcement agencies have achieved national accreditation, including the New Jersey State Police.

A voluntary process for law enforcement agencies, CALEA accreditation demonstrates that an agency has a proven management system of written directives, clearly defined lines of authority, sound training, robust service delivery, excellence in leadership, and compliance with best practices related to life, health and safety procedures.

The Sheriff’s Office accreditation team spent the years 2016 through 2019 meeting annual, web-based prongs of the accreditation process that prepared the agency for a climactic, four-day visit in October 2019 by CALEA Assessors, former Law Enforcement professionals Charles Groover of Georgia and Thomas Clark of Virginia.

Public input was welcomed, with 13 individuals, business owners, and representatives from state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies calling the assessment team to offer positive opinions about the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.  They included a member of the LBGTQ community and a woman whose husband is a client of the Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver program.

During the site-based assessment, Sheriff Gannon and his accreditation team took the assessors on a tour of the Morris County Courthouse, which the Bureau of Law Enforcement is constitutionally mandated to protect, and the team showcased the agency’s specialized services and innovative outreach programs.

The CALEA assessors met Sheriff’s Office Detectives from the Bomb Squad, K-9, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Evidence, and Community Outreach and Planning Sections.

The assessors in October 2019 also conducted 112 interviews with sworn and non-sworn members of the Sheriff’s Office, community members, and Superior Court personnel, including Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz, who works closely with Sheriff Gannon on all aspects of courthouse security.

Before CALEA ultimately awarded the Sheriff’s Office four-year reaccreditation in March 2020, it delivered a Final Assessment Report that expressed admiration for initiatives launched by Sheriff Gannon. Those programs include the Hope One mobile substance use and mental health outreach program, the RSVP-3 school threat assessment program, and the RSVP-3 mobile app that allows individuals, particularly students, to anonymously report threats to school safety and other concerns.

“The agency has a community outreach component (that is) very active with businesses, neighborhood associations, citizen groups, civic organizations, and on and on. The programs Sheriff Gannon and the agency have introduced since his administration took over three years (ago) is amazing,” states the report, authored by the assessors.

Sheriff Gannon and the accreditation team had anticipated traveling to Florida in March for the 2020 CALEA Conference, where they would have answered any final questions by a panel of CALEA commissioners before reaccreditation was granted. Instead, the Sheriff and accreditation team members had a final session with CALEA commissioners over Zoom in March, when the reaccreditation was awarded.

Mackaella Goodwin To Run for Borough Council

By
Frank Cahill
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Mackaella Goodwin, a lifelong Madison resident, is a Republican candidate for Madison Borough Council. Mackaella and her running mate Michael Dailey are looking to bring diversity to a body that is currently comprised of all Democrats

MADISON — Mackaella Goodwin is proud to announce her candidacy for Madison Borough Council in this year’s General Election.  Mackaella is running alongside fellow Republican Michael Dailey as the candidates vie for the two open seats on Madison’s Borough Council that are on the ballot this year.

Speaking to neighbors this week, Mackaella commented that, “Michael Dailey and I have been humbled and flattered by the strong support and encouragement that we have received already.  Voters of all ages and backgrounds throughout Madison  have thanked us for offering to serve the community.”

Born and raised in Madison, Mackaella is a member of the Madison High School class of 2016.  She graduated from Lycoming College in May 2020 with BA degrees in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, and Quantitative Economics, as well as a minor in Music.  At her graduation, Mackaella received the J.W. Free Award, recognizing her as the most active student in Mathematical Sciences and granting her departmental honors in the field of Mathematics. Along with this academic award, Mackaella also received Lycoming’s Intramural Female Athlete Award through the college’s Student Leadership Awards program.

Mackaella has always been an active leader with a strong passion for volunteer work and service projects. She is currently preparing for Actuarial Exam P and looking forward to beginning her career as an actuary.

Goodwin and Dailey Priorities

Mackaella Goodwin and Michael Dailey are running for Madison Borough Council because they believe Madison’s borough government should serve the needs of the people who live and work in Madison, New Jersey. There are five areas that they will focus on as council members:

– Prevent any increase in property taxes.
– Address the needs of Madison’s playgrounds and athletic fields.
– Substantially lower the electric rates charged by Madison’s municipally-owned electric utility.  Madison’s rates are among the highest in NJ.
– Continue to modernize Madison’s roads, sewers, and utilities.
– Ensure that Downtown Madison remains through solid planning for the future.

Meet the Candidates
Mackaella looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the Borough Council on behalf of her Madison neighbors. The candidates will not be knocking on doors this year due to the continuing pandemic, but voters can contact Mackaella and Michael at [email protected] and follow their campaign on the Madison Republican Committee website at MadisonNJGOP.com.

Kiwanis Club of Montville Installs New Officers

By
Frank Cahill
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Immediate Past President Michael D. Johnson, Michael King, President Kiwanis Club of Montville and Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Division 9

MORRIS COUNTY — Michael King of Montville was installed as president of the Kiwanis Club of Montville during the club’s installation dinner on September 9 at Rails Steak House. Also installed were Vice President Allen Barnett, Samantha Massenzio, Club Secretary; Ladis Karkowsky, Club Treasurer; Charles Grau, and Asst. Club Treasurer.

President Michael King, Club Secretary Ladis Karkowsky, Vice President Allen Barnett, and Immediate Past President Michael D. Johnson. Not pictured Samantha Massenzio, Club Secretary and Charles Grau, and Asst. Club Treasurer

In addition, the following members will serve on the club’s board of directors:

  • Douglas Cooper, Deane Driscoll, Larry Hines, Thomas Mazzaccaro, Joseph O’Dowd, and Christine Tao Cheung.

The immediate past president is Michael D. Johnson.  Michael will continue to serve on the club board for the next year.

The Kiwanis Club of Montville is most readily recognized for its operation of the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry, which increased its volunteer efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide free distributions to families in need and supplemented the lunch program for qualified students of the Montville Township Public Schools by providing over $10,000 worth of ShopRite gift cards over the summer. Montville Kiwanis is also responsible for local projects such as Adopt-A-Hydrant, the annual Fishing Derby organized in conjunction with the Montville Rec Department and local PBA, holiday caroling at local senior centers, its annual “Taste of Montville” and the sponsorship of the Montville Township High School Key Club.

“Kids need Kiwanis, in this community and in communities around the world,” said Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Division 9. “Our club believes in children and wants to provide all kids with an opportunity to thrive, prosper and grow,” said President Michael King.

The Kiwanis Club of Montville, www.montvillekiwanis.org, welcomes new members who want to serve their community. Information about becoming a member is available by emailing [email protected].

About Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14–18, Builders Club for students age 11–14, K-Kids for students age 6–12, and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 558,000 adult and youth members 82 nations and geographic areas. Visit www.kiwanis.org for more information.

Deaths By Suicide in Morris County are 52% Higher

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY —  As of September 15, 32 individuals have died by suspected suicide, compared to 21 individuals by that date in 2019 in Morris County.  With more than 100 days left in this calendar year, overall suicides this year have exceeded by five the 27 deaths attributed to suicide in 2019.

Emphasizing Morris County’s stigma-free philosophy, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon stressed that services are available and ready to minister to individuals who are in despair or feeling disengaged from family, friends, and healthy relationships.

The COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, unexpected deaths, and inability to freely grieve at funerals coupled with job losses, civil unrest, and uncertainty about the future have created a maelstrom that can overwhelm the psyche.

“Major disruptions and stress in people’s lives, as many have felt this year, can seriously damage mental and emotional well-being. Social distancing can lead to a disconnection from others and many people have not been able to mourn deaths with traditional wakes and funerals. There are resources to turn to and people who can help others cope, no matter who they are,” Sheriff Gannon said.

Tracy Klingener, Director of Suicide Prevention Services for the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, said COVID-19 has cut many people off from direct contact with family and friends. Without face-to-face encounters, warning signs that others are depressed or feeling hopeless can go undetected, she said.

“Without face to face interaction, people are not having the conversations they may have previously had with others,” she said.

“At a time like this, people may be in a state of intense tunnel vision about their problems and their lives.  It’s important to remind people that ‘You’re not alone. We’re in this together,” Director Klingener said.

Mental health and overcoming addiction is a cornerstone of Sheriff Gannon’s administration, which launched the Hope One mobile addiction and mental health outreach program on April 3, 2017.

Hope One is partnered with the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, which links individuals with treatment services, education, and wellness programs. One or more trained mental health advocates are present on every HOPE ONE trip into the community and since April 2017, have connected at least 151 people to mental health services.

RESOURCES:

  • Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One program: (973) 590-0300;
  • Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris: (973) 334-3496;
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255;
  • Ricky’s Compass (Click here)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text the word TALK to 741-741;
  • NJ Hopeline: (855) 654-6735;
  • Local meetings of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (Click here)
  • Cop2Cop, a confidential, 24-hour helpline for police officers and their families: 1-866-COP2COP.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Partners with Free Naloxone Distribution Initiative

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Drug overdose deaths have risen steadily for the past decade and now surpass motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of injury death in the United States. File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp announces that starting September 24 through September 26 participating pharmacies across Morris County will be making naloxone (“NARCAN”), which is an opioid-overdose reversal drug, available for free and without a prescription or appointment, to anyone requesting the same.

Inquiring individuals, who can remain anonymous, will be entitled to one naloxone pack containing two doses, on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is part of a statewide initiative sponsored by the State of New Jersey.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey Attorney General S. Gurbir Grewal, the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES), and the New Jersey Department of Human Services are sponsoring this free naloxone program throughout the State of New Jersey. This is the second such distribution, a part of the State’s continued efforts to combat the opioid crisis. In June 2019, residents received 32,000 doses of naloxone.

Those who obtain naloxone will also be given information regarding addiction treatment and recovery through Reach NJ, a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week addictions hotline where people who have Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or friends and family of people with SUD can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors. Live staff members are available by calling the toll-free number, 844-ReachNJ (732-2465).

The participating pharmacies in Morris Focus readership are:

Acme Pharmacy, 550 Myrtle Ave., Boonton
ShopRite Pharmacy of Greater Morristown, 178 East Hanover Avenue, Cedar Knolls
Towne Pharmacy, 103 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls
Sav-On Pharmacy, 329 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains

For a full list of participating pharmacies click here.

Associate Director Melody Runyon of Prevention is Key (PIK) said “Naloxone is invaluable when it comes to giving those with an opioid use disorder another chance to find a life of recovery. Ready availability is key. As a result of Morris County’s Narcan 2.0 and law enforcement Administration of Naloxone, Prevention is Key/CARES Peer Recovery Specialists have responded to nearly 700 overdoses at county hospitals with 473 individuals accepting recovery support services. Without naloxone, these individuals would never have had this opportunity to change their life.”

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Welcomes New President

By
Frank Cahill
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Alejandro (Alex) Martinez

MOUNTAIN LAkeS — A leader in health and wellness and community service, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has appointed Alejandro (Alex) Martinez as its new President and CEO effective Monday, September 14.

Its outgoing CEO, Dr. Vik Joganow, has retired after leading the esteemed organization for the past seven years.

With over 25 years of management experience in nonprofit, government, youth development, and healthcare organizations, Alex’s comprehensive background spans strategic planning and execution, operations management, program development, community outreach, and government relations.

Most recently the Chief Operating Officer of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Alex was responsible for the executive leadership of several key departments that included Program Services, Membership, Customer Care, Volunteer Services, Administration, Property, and Finance representing $9.1 million in total revenues, over 26,000 members and 13,000 adult volunteers. He led the implementation of a growth strategy that fundamentally changed the operations of GSNNJ, introducing new technologies and methods of engagement for girls, volunteers, and families.

Additionally, Alex led much of the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alex’s extensive professional background includes Chief of Staff at the United Way of New York City, where he created a five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening the organization in all areas. He also worked in the political arena as Director of Constituent Services and Policy Analyst with a member of the New York City Council. This position instilled deep regard for social conscience, inspired by working with individuals who were dependent on government services.

His expertise in the community relations, financial development, and operational sectors was honed by executive positions with the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation/Bellevue Hospital and the American Museum of Natural History. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration & Economics from Fordham University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University. Alex understands the Morris County community, as he is a Board Member of the Head Start Community Program of Morris County and serves with the Denville Rotary.

He is a resident of Mount Tabor along with his wife and two sons. A passionate distance runner, Alex has completed nine marathons and is looking forward to his tenth!

The combination of Alex’s experience, drive, and commitment to the mission and work of the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA makes him the ideal person to lead the Y into the future. About the Y Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.

Presbyterian Church Welcomes New Pastor: Reverend Jacquelynn Van Vliet

By
Frank Cahill
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Reverend Jacquelynn Van Vliet

MADISON — The Presbyterian Church of Madison, located at 19 Green Avenue in Madison,  announces our new pastor, the Reverend Jacquelynn (Jacqui) Van Vliet, effective July 1, 2020. Please join us in welcoming Jacqui to our Madison community.

Prior to coming to Madison, Reverend Van Vliet served Presbyterian congregations in Ridgewood, NJ, New York City, Bryn Mawr, PA, Bedminster, and most recently Morris Plains.

She earned a degree in history and secondary education at Houghton College, later obtained an M.A. from New York University in the field of rehabilitation counseling, and received her Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

As the new pastor of the oldest congregation in Madison, Reverend Van Vliet is excited to build meaningful relationships with members of the Madison community. Rev. Van Vliet holds virtual worship services each Sunday. These services are accessible via YouTube at Presbyterian Church of Madison – YouTube. We invite all to attend our virtual worship!

For more information, or to meet with Reverend Jacqui Van Vliet, contact the church office at [email protected] or (973) 377-1600.

Hanover Township Committee Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER — The September 10, 2020, Hanover Township Committee Meeting.

Madison YMCA to Kick Off Toiletry Drive

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MADISON — The Madison Area YMCA will begin a toiletry drive for residents of a Morristown homeless shelter.

The YMCA is asking for donations of various personal items, sanitizing products, and Personal Protective Equipment.

Toiletries needed include:

  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Cleaning products, especially disinfecting spray, disinfecting wipes, and multi-purpose cleaners
  • Masks: N95, KN95, surgical masks, and reusable cloth masks. There is a particular need for children’s masks.
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dish soap
  • Anti-bacterial hand soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Nitrile gloves- especially Medium and Large

The Homeless Solutions shelter is one of two of the nonprofit’s facilities in Morris County that serve the homeless. The shelter has 85 beds and is open 24 hours. Residents, including families and single people, live in dormitory-style housing.

Donors are asked to drop off items from the list at the Madison Area YMCA’s Family Center lobby at 111 Kings Road, beginning Monday, September 13 through Friday, September 18 at 2:00 p.m. Please leave the bags and boxes outside the entrance doors.

What is Sweet and Heavenly that Makes Everything Better?

By
Frank Cahill
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Like the classic dessert, this two-year-old Pit Bull mix is as sweet as can be

MORRIS COUNTY — What is sweet and heavenly that makes everything better? Sundae! Like the classic dessert, this two-year-old Pit Bull mix is as sweet as can be!

Sundae is a spunky, fun girl who will keep you on your toes. She would be great in a home with kids of 13 and up and she is also dog-friendly (males only).

Nothing makes Sundae happier than being in your company, specifically cuddled up in your arms

Nothing makes Sundae happier than being in your company, specifically cuddled up in your arms. She is a true love bug that will cover your face in kisses and make sure your lap is always warm!

She loves receiving any affection you have to offer and will return the favor in double! Sundae loves being active and playing.

Sundae is working on her house training and leash training in her foster home. She cannot live with cats. She does well in the crate but at night prefers to be in bed with you or in her doggy bed.

Sundae will certainly add some sweetness to your life.

If you are interested in adopting Sundae, please fill out an application by clicking here.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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