HANOVER TOWNSHIP — By a unanimous vote of the Hanover Township Committeemen, Ronald Francioli, has been selected as Chairman of the Board, Mayor of Hanover Township.
Sheriff Gannon takes oath of office for second term
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon was sworn into office by Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz on Friday, January 3 at the Board of Freeholders’ 2020 Annual Meeting, held in Morristown. Sheriff sworn in while holding his grandson Luca as his daughter Kate, holding her newborn Ella, and her husband Matt surround him.
Sheriff Gannon was administered the oath of office during the annual reorganization of the Morris County Board of Freeholders. Also sworn in were Freeholder Doug Cabana to an eighth term, Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo to a third term, Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo to a fourth term, and former Freeholder Heather Darling to her first, five-year term as Morris County Surrogate.
Sheriff Gannon told the crowd of several hundred well-wishers gathered in the Public Meeting room of the county Administration and Records Building that he owed successes to the support of the public, the Freeholders, and his administration, including Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, Bureau of Corrections Undersheriff Alan J. Robinson, Chief Kelley Zienowicz and Chief Warrant Officer Richard Rose.
“Morris County truly puts the unity in community,” Sheriff Gannon said.
He gave the crowd an overview of programs the Agency has honed, particularly Hope One, the mobile substance abuse resource and recovery program that achieved the milestone of making 10,000 contacts with individuals on New Year’s Eve.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One, started on April 3, 2017, has led to the launch of similar programs in Newark, Burlington, Cape May, Monmouth and Atlantic Counties, and the city of Boston now is interested, the Sheriff said.
Sheriff’s Officers have signed up to serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters to young people in need of role models. The Agency has designated liaisons to build bridges with the LGBTQ community and, the Sheriff said, protection of all 318 houses of worship in Morris County will continue to be a priority.He noted the creation of the RSVP-3 program that focuses on eliminating threats to school safety and the use of a mobile app so that students, or anyone, can anonymous report potential dangers to the school environment.
“This is all done within budget, while returning millions of dollars from our Legal Section and our shared services agreement to the county of Morris,” he said, referring to a pact the Morris County Sheriff’s Office struck to house inmates from the Sussex County jail at Morris’s Correctional Facility.
“The year 2020 will be a great year for the Sheriff’s Office as we continue our focus on counter-terrorism, addiction and mental health services, partnerships with the faith-based community, enhanced re-entry programs, even greater partnerships with our public safety and private sector communities, and other shared service opportunities,” the Sheriff said.
Heather Darling Takes Oath of Office for Morris County Surrogate
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling was sworn into office by Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz on Friday, January 3 at the Board of Freeholders’ 2020 Annual Meeting, held in Morristown.
The incumbent, John Pecoraro retired after 25 years in office. Darling, a Roxbury resident and attorney, ran for freeholder in 2017 when Hank Lyon gave up his seat to seek the Republican nomination for State Assembly in the 26th district.
Darling says that Pecoraro’s retirement “offers an opportunity for me to bring new ideas and make significant changes for the benefit of seniors and special needs citizens in Morris County.”
A surrogate is a judicial officer, elected by the people, having jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the administration of estates, and more.
Surrogate Heather Darling was first elected to serve the residents of Morris County in 2019. Each term of office is five years. The full title of the office is “Judge of the Surrogate Court.”
The function of the Judge of the Morris County Surrogate Court includes:
- administering wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts for Morris County residents
- serving as clerk of the Superior Court
- assisting activities ranging from adoptions to incompetency matters
- managing the Minors’ Intermingled Trust Fund and holding, as custodian, approximately $25 million in that fund for Morris County minors
Morris County Surrogate Court is located at 10 Court Street, Fifth Floor, Morristown. For more information call (973) 285-6500.
Mountain Lakes Stephen Shaw named Deputy Freeholder Director
MOUNTAIN LAKES — At the 2020 Reorganization meeting of the Morris County Freeholders, Mountain Lakes resident Freeholder Stephen Shaw was named Deputy Director and Freeholder Deborah Smith of Denville was elected as Director, each for the first time.
Morris County Freeholders Doug Cabana of Boonton Township, Kathy DeFillippo of Roxbury, and Tom Mastrangelo of Montville, and Sheriff James M. Gannon and new County Surrogate Heather Darling were sworn into office on Friday, January 3 at the Board of Freeholders’ 2020 Annual Meeting, held in Morristown.
Also at the ceremonial event, Freeholders Deborah Smith of Denville and Stephen Shaw of Mountain Lakes were elected as director and deputy director, each for the first time.
Smith succeeds Freeholder Doug Cabana as director.
“My goals this year are to make decisions that benefit all residents of Morris County, to keep close watch on spending while delivering critical public safety and quality of life services that make Morris County the number one county in New Jersey, by far,’’ said Freeholder Smith.
“I look forward to working with and supporting my freeholder colleagues and the county administration in my role as Deputy Director. It is an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Morris County,” said Freeholder Shaw.
Showing support for those who took the oaths tonight were a host of political dignitaries, including Rep. Mikie Sherrill, state Sens. Joe Pennacchio, Anthony Bucco, and Tom Kean Jr.; Assembly Members BettyLou DeCroce, Aura Dunn, and Christopher DePhillips.
Also attending were County Clerk Ann Grossi, County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante, and recently retired County Surrogate John Pecoraro, and former freeholders Frank Druetzler, Gene Feyl, John Inglesino, and John Sette.
Freeholder Smith highlighted some of Morris County’s top rankings and high quality of life during her address to overflow audience in the County Administration and Records Building. She touted the following about Morris County:
- It has the number one county park system in New Jersey;
- It is a statewide leader in open space and farmland preservation;
- It is the number one healthiest county in New Jersey;
- It is a statewide leader in recycling;
- It has the top-ranked Triple A bond rating;
- It is ranked in the top 25 counties to live in the U.S.;
- County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School are ranked among the best in the nation.
“The Freeholder Board is intent in 2020 to maintain those top rankings,’’ Smith told the crowd. “We know we have a lot of work ahead of us and look forward to your participation and collaboration.’’
Smith joined the Freeholder Board on January 3, 2016, and is now serving her second three-year term. She has served on the Budget Committee, chaired the Insurance Commission, and has been liaison to the Morris County Park Commission and Finance Department.
Previously, she was on the Denville Council for 20 years, including two years as council president and two years as the council’s Planning Board member. She also served on the Denville Zoning Board.
Freeholder Smith has long served her community, volunteering for many community activities. She was the Township Council liaison to the Denville Public Library, senior citizens’ organizations, the local historical society, fire department and many other groups.
She resides in Denville with her husband Steven, a small business owner in Randolph.
NJ Assemblyman-elect Brian Bergen Hires Tom Andes as Chief of Staff
MORRIS COUNTY — Thomas Andes has accepted the position of chief of staff for New Jersey Assemblyman-elect Brian Bergen, Bergen announced on Friday, January 3. Andes currently serves as mayor of Denville Township.
The press release acknowledged Andes’s knowledge of municipal government, grounded in 20 years of experience as a councilman and mayor. The release also declared Bergen’s excitement to have someone like Andes on his team who can connect with the municipalities to ensure their interests are being advocated for effectively in Trenton.
“I can’t think of a better way to serve the municipal governments in the 25th District than to hire someone who can help me understand their needs in a way that only extensive municipal experience can allow,” commented Bergen. “My district office staff will be completely focused on constituent case work and supporting our municipal governments. Tom is a well-respected mayor and his connections with his municipal peers and our constituent base will allow me to be the best representative I can be for the 25th District.”
Assemblyman-elect Bergen will be sworn in on January 14, at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey, as a member of the 219th New Jersey State Legislature.
The 25th Legislative District includes the Morris County municipalities of Boonton Town, Boonton Township, Mountain Lakes Borough, Chester Borough, Chester Township, Denville Township, Dover Town, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Mine Hill Township, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mount Arlington Borough, Mountain Lakes Borough, Netcong Borough, Randolph Township, Rockaway Borough, Roxbury Township, Victory Gardens Borough, Washington Township and Wharton Borough; and the Somerset County municipality of Bernardsville Borough.
Town of Boonton names New Fire Chief; Captains and Lieutenants
BOONTON — At the annual reorganization meeting of the Town of Boonton, the Mayor and Aldermen approved the appointment of Boonton Fire Department Chief, Deputy Chief and Battalion Chief along with a number of Lieutenants and Captains.
Mr. David Kaplan will assume the role of Fire Chief, for a term from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021; Mr. Eric Johnson was appointed to Deputy Chief for a term from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 and Mr. Anthony Cosentino was appointed to Battalion Chief for the same term.
Alderman Cyril Wekilsky administered the “Oath of Allegiance” to the following Lieutenants: Dan Silva, David Francisco, Tyler Wendt, Jim Dogg and Shane Dencker. He also administered the “Oath of Allegiance” to the following Captains: Bob Destefano, Anthony R. Bucco, Bruce Middleton, John Cosentino and Ron Rochette.
The Mayor and Aldermen approved Resolution No. 20-02, accepting the following 2020 Fire Department Appointments:
| Position | Term (1/1/20 to 12/31/21) |
| Chief | Mr. David Kaplan |
| Deputy Chief | Mr. Eric Johnson |
| Battalion Chief | Mr. Anthony Cosentino |
| Maxfield Hose & Engine Co., No. 1 | Term (1/1/20 to 12/31/21) |
| Captain | Bruce Middleton |
| Lieutenant | Tyler Wendt |
| Chief Driver 303: | Rick Blood |
| South Boonton Hose & Engine No. 3 | Term (1/1/20 to 12/31/21) |
| Captain | Ron Rochette |
| Lieutenant | Shane Dencker |
| Chief Driver 305: | Ed Robillard |
| Maxfield Hook & Ladder Co., No. 1 | Term (1/1/20 to 12/31/21) |
| Captain | Bob DeStefano |
| Lieutenant | Dan Silva |
| Chief Driver 301: | Jack Steinhauser |
| Salvage & Rescue Co., No. 2 | Term (1/1/20 to 12/31/21) |
| Captain | Anthony R. Bucco |
| Lieutenant | David Francisco |
| Chief Driver 302: | RJ Ryerson, Jr. |
| Harmony Hose & Engine Co. 2 | Term (1/1/20 to 12/31/21) |
| Captain | John Cosentino |
| Lieutenant | Jim Dodd |
| Chief Driver 304: | Ed Bohon |
Mayor, Alderman sworn into office in Town of Boonton
BOONTON — During the Reorganization Meeting held on Wednesday, January 1, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill administered the Oath of Office to incoming Mayor Richard J. Corcoran, III.
First Ward Alderman Mr. Edward W. Robillard, III; Second Ward Alderman Ms. Edina Renfro-Michel; Third Ward Alderman Joseph E. Bock, Jr.,; Fourth Ward Alderman Michael J. Wade were also administered their “Oath of Office.”
The new Alderman joins returning alderman Mr. Cyril Wekilsky, Ms. Marie DeVenia, Mr. Joseph Fenske, Mr. Michael Cardillo and Mr. Michael Wade.
Man Indicted in Connection with Fatal Shooting in Jefferson Township
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Jefferson Township Police Chief Sean Conrad announce that John Formisano, 49, formerly of Jefferson Township, has been indicted on charges related to a fatal shooting that occurred on July 14, 2019, in Jefferson Township.
On December 30, 2019, an indictment was returned by a Morris County grand jury charging Formisano with a number of offenses, including first degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, two counts of second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Official Misconduct, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and third degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.
The charges in the indictment are related to an incident that occurred on July 14, 2019 in Jefferson Township. At approximately 11:21 p.m., members of the Jefferson Township Police Department were dispatched to 1 Mirror Place for 911 calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responding officers located a deceased woman’s body lying on the front porch steps of 5 Mirror Place.
The deceased woman was subsequently identified as Christie Formisano, 37, Jefferson Township. A second victim, a male age 40, was located with multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence of 1 Mirror Place.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the defendant, John Formisano, was located in a parking lot in Livingston, and was taken into custody by law enforcement. The firearm believed to be used by the defendant was also recovered in Livingston. The defendant, a lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, was off-duty at the time of the incident.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Jefferson Township Police Department at (973) 697-1300.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Gregory Giorgio, 46, loses life in Parsippany Apartment Fire
EAST HANOVER — At approximately 12:34 p.m., Sunday, December 29, the Deputy Chief of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District #5 was in the Rutgers Village Apartment complex when he observed an active fire at 162 Rutgers Lane. The fire claimed the life of a 46-year old from East Hanover.
He immediately contacted the Morris County Communications Center via radio. Multiple area fire departments were dispatched to the scene, along with Parsippany Emergency Medical Services and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance.
Sergeant Brian Conover, Public Information Officer said “We can confirm that a deceased person was located inside one of the affected apartments. Two apartments were heavily damaged during the fire and the Red Cross is on scene providing assistance.” The 64-year old resident’s name was being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Parsippany Fire Investigator Patrolman D. Cavaliere and Parsippany Detective A. Morelli are investigating the fire.
Mutual aid responders included Boonton, Montville, Morris Plains, Mount Tabor and Whippany firefighters.
The victim, Gregory Giorgio, 46, was from East Hanover. His nephew, who rents the apartment, was on vacation and returned to find the place on fire. He lost everything. He also found out his uncle was in the house at the time of the fire and lost his life. 😞There is a GoFundMe page setup to help the occupant. Click here to donate.
Rutgers Village is located off Route 46 and South Edwards Road, near New Road.
There are a total of 442 units, including one bedroom and two bedroom units.
New Kiwanis club organizes in the Tri-Town area to help kids
MOUNTAIN LAKES – A new Kiwanis club recently opened serving Boonton, Boonton Township and Mountain Lakes to give community members the opportunity to help kids.
The Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 13. The club has been formed by Frank Cahill, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany to help meet the needs of children in Boonton, Boonton Township and Mountain Lakes. Kiwanis International has more than 600,000 members around the world dedicated to volunteer service that helps kids.
“Kiwanis clubs provide a great opportunity to meet new friends who believe in serving their communities, networking with business professionals and making a significant impact on the community through volunteering,” said Nicolas Limanov, the club’s new President. “Kids need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the world, so they can grow up in a world where they are happy, healthy, safe and loved.”
The new Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town will focus on service projects addressing several community needs.
“We understand the changing needs of today’s busy volunteers, and encourage members to give time when they can, whether that’s at a service project or at a meeting,” said Nicolas Limanov. “We hope that men and women of all ages will join us and help make a difference for children in our community.”
Those interested in membership can call Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299 or visit (tri-townkiwanis.org) or kiwanis.org.
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.