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46 Cadets Graduate from Dover’s Junior Police Academy Following a Week of Immersive Law Enforcement Training

By
Frank Cahill
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Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney presents a certificate to a graduating cadet as Mayor James P. Dodd and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn look on with pride during the Dover Junior Police Academy graduation ceremony.

DOVER — A group of 46 cadets proudly crossed the finish line as graduates of the Dover Junior Police Academy, capping off a transformative week of hands-on training, team-building, and real-world exposure to the many facets of law enforcement.

Throughout the week-long program, cadets received drill instruction and mentorship from officers across several agencies, starting with Drill Instructor Peralta of the Rockaway Township Police Department and Drill Instructor Giaquinto of the Washington Township Police Department. Cadets engaged in intense physical training, learned proper marching techniques, and developed the discipline necessary for a future in public service.

One of the highlights of the week came when the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Division introduced cadets to K-9 Tim, who gave a thrilling demonstration of his skills in detection and apprehension.

The educational journey continued with presentations from federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA, offering cadets insight into national investigations and the critical work of federal agents.

Cadets also toured the Morris County Correctional Facility, hosted by the Sheriff’s Correctional Division, where they learned about the responsibilities of correctional officers, the complexity of maintaining order, and the importance of professionalism when dealing with incarcerated individuals.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn congratulates cadets of Dover’s Junior Police Academy, recognizing their commitment, growth, and the bright futures that lie ahead for these young leaders.

Another impactful moment was a visit to the Morris County Communications Center, where cadets gained an understanding of emergency communications technology and its role in policing.

Their day concluded with a memorable tour of the Atlantic Health Air One helicopter, which landed at Crescent Field, giving cadets a firsthand look at air medical services and how helicopters are used in critical rescue and transport missions.

This week was more than just education—it was a deep dive into the world of law enforcement that taught respect, integrity, leadership, and service.

A special thank you to Mayor James P. Dodd, the Dover Police Department, and all participating agencies for their unwavering support of this program and for their commitment to mentoring the next generation.

Denville Man Arrested on NCIC Warrant During Routine Patrol

By
Frank Cahill
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DENVILLE — A Denville resident was taken into custody on an outstanding NCIC warrant during a routine police patrol in the Cambridge Road area.

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the Denville Police Department observed a male individual riding a bicycle. The man was recognized as Ian Brennan, 44, of Denville, from prior encounters with law enforcement.

Officers were aware that Brennan had an active warrant listed in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for violation of a court order.

He was stopped and taken into custody without incident. Brennan was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remains held pending a future court date.

No further information is available at this time.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Suspicious Person Call Leads to Drug Arrest in Denville

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DENVILLE — A Rockaway man was arrested on drug charges following a 9-1-1 call reporting suspicious activity on Diamond Spring Road.

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 5:16 p.m., the Denville Police Department responded to a report of an individual observed ingesting pills in public. Officers located the individual, later identified as Enes Pupovic, 37, of Rockaway, on West Main Street.

After speaking with Pupovic, officers determined he was in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and under the influence of drugs. He was taken into custody and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.

Pupovic was charged with the following offenses:

  • 2C:35-10a(1) – Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
  • 2C:35-10b – Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Following processing, he was released into the custody of a family member pending a future court appearance.

No further information is available at this time.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Video: Jefferson Township Council Meeting – August 6, 2025

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township

JEFFERSON — Jefferson Township Council Meeting – August 6, 2025.

Click here to download the agenda.

Dr. Edward Ramirez, Business Administrator: In Response to Councilwoman Wittner’s Public Post on Police Staffing

By
Frank Cahill
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Dr. Edward Ramirez, Town of Dover Business Administrator

Councilwoman Wittner’s recent post presents a false narrative about police staffing in Dover and wrongly accuses me and the Mayor of making decisions we simply did not make. Since she chose to spread misinformation in a public forum, I need to set the record straight.

At no time did I direct the Police Department to reduce staffing from four officers to three. In fact, I recently learned that the four-officer minimum currently in place was established by Chief Delaney in 2022, on his own initiative. For some time, the town was led to believe—based on information provided by members of the department—that this minimum staffing level was the result of a formal contract negotiation. It was only during a recent discussion that Chief Delaney admitted it was his own directive, one he could change at any time if he alone chooses to do so.

For years, Dover operated safely with three officers per shift. I have no personal preference between three or four, as long as public safety is protected and the department stays within its budget. I have never attempted to interfere with staffing decisions, nor would I. The Chief has exclusive authority over daily operations under what is often referred to as the “Chief’s Bill of Rights.” I fully support and respect that.

However, I also have a responsibility to ensure the Town operates within its legal budget. The Police Department’s budget is already more than double the size of any other department in Dover, and overtime costs have become a growing concern. Every department head, including the Chief, is expected to manage within their allocated budget—just like every other municipal department across New Jersey. That’s not micromanagement; that’s basic fiscal responsibility.

It is disappointing that Councilwoman Wittner made no effort to reach out to me before making false and inflammatory public statements. A single phone call could have avoided this. Instead, she chose to misrepresent the facts and undermine my efforts to serve the Town with professionalism and integrity.

I ask that she correct the record and refrain from using my name in political posts that contain false information.

I am hopeful that, moving forward, we can engage in respectful and fact-based dialogue focused on the needs of Dover’s residents and the responsible governance they deserve.

I was officially appointed as the new Business Administrator on Tuesday night, and by Thursday—just two days later—a false narrative began circulating, first from the PBA and now echoed by a member of the Town Council. I generally avoid engaging with negativity, but this must stop if we’re going to work together for the good of Dover.

I operate with an open-door policy and welcome constructive dialogue. However, I will not allow political agendas to misuse my name. Our focus should be on helping and better serving our community—not fueling division.

Spending between $500,000 and $700,000 in overtime for a single department—where base salaries already exceed six figures—is simply unsustainable. We cannot justify straining every other department to support this level of spending.

It’s time to stop the misinformation and start working collaboratively. The numbers speak for themselves.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Announces Upcoming DWI Checkpoint in Mount Olive

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Mount Olive Police Chief Michael Spitzer announce the implementation of a joint Driving While Intoxicated checkpoint in Mount Olive, New Jersey for the weekend of August 16 through August 17, 2025.

Law enforcement personnel from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Mount Olive Police Department will be conducting the checkpoint.

DWI checkpoints are funded by grants received by the Prosecutor’s Office from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to conduct checkpoints in conjunction with municipal police departments throughout Morris County.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has coordinated sobriety checks in the past throughout various municipalities in Morris County, and intends to continue to do so in the future with advance public notice.

Driver Arrested for DWI Following Motor Vehicle Crash in Denville

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — A 24-year-old Rockaway Township man was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated following a motor vehicle crash on Old Beach Glen Road.

At approximately 10:26 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, officers from the Denville Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. During the investigation, police determined that the driver, identified as Henilkumar Patel, was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Patel was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police headquarters. He was charged with the following offenses:

  • 39:4-50 Driving While Intoxicated
  • 39:4-88 Failure to Maintain Lane
  • 39:4-96 Reckless Driving
  • 39:4-97 Careless Driving

Patel was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses and later released pending a future court appearance in Denville Municipal Court.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Fire Erupts in Abandoned Madison Home; Investigation Underway

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — Emergency crews responded early Sunday morning to a structure fire in an abandoned two-story home located within the Drew Forest Preserve, prompting a second-alarm response and an ongoing investigation.

At approximately 6:00 a.m., Madison Police received a report of a possible brush fire off Loantaka Way. Upon arrival, Madison Fire Department personnel discovered the flames were coming from an abandoned structure hidden deep within the forest.

Firefighters quickly escalated the situation to a second alarm, bringing in additional support to combat the blaze and protect the nearby Zuck Arboretum.

Crews worked for nearly three hours to extinguish the fire and monitor for hotspots to prevent further spread into the surrounding wooded area.

“The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Madison Fire Department, Madison Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office,” officials said in a joint statement.

Madison Fire Chief Wickman commended the swift and united response.

“I’m grateful for the quick response and coordinated efforts of all the agencies that assisted this morning,” said Chief Wickman. “Thanks to their hard work and teamwork, the fire was contained quickly, preventing further damage to the surrounding forest.”

The Borough of Madison expressed appreciation to mutual aid partners from Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Morris Township, Morristown, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for their assistance on scene and for covering the firehouse during the operation.

Rose House Named Beneficiary of 5th Annual Tri-State CRE Charity Golf Classic

By
Frank Cahill
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Josh Simon, Vice President at EBI Consulting; Tom Mitchell, CEO of Rose House; and George Gnad, President of Lenders Capital Realty Services

PARSIPPANY — Rose House, a Parsippany-based nonprofit dedicated to creating forever homes for individuals with special needs, was recently named a beneficiary of the 5th Annual Tri-State CRE Charity Golf Classic. The event, held at Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany, brought together 120 golfers and raised $2,500 in support of the organization’s mission.

The annual golf outing is organized by a team of commercial real estate (CRE) professionals committed to giving back to the community. In addition to Rose House, proceeds from this year’s event also supported Winslow Therapeutic Center, which co-organized the tournament, and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research at Weill Cornell Medicine.

At Rose House’s Hanover Community Residence in Cedar Knolls, members of the real estate community gathered to celebrate the donation. Pictured (back row, left to right) are Josh Simon, Vice President at EBI Consulting; Tom Mitchell, CEO of Rose House; and George Gnad, President of Lenders Capital Realty Services. They are joined by Rose House residents Rachel and Billy.

Rose House is a nonprofit organization that provides customized, self-directed programs to individuals with special needs across Morris County. With a mission to build inclusive communities and provide loving homes, Rose House continues to make dreams a reality. For more information, visit www.therosehouse.org.

Michael Berger Receives Degree at Miami University Spring Commencement

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON – Michael Berger of Boonton was among the students awarded degrees during Miami University’s Spring Commencement held in 2025.

Established in 1809, Miami University is consistently ranked among the top 50 national public universities by U.S. News & World Report for providing students with an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price.

Located in the quintessential college town of Oxford, Ohio—with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg—Miami serves more than 22,600 undergraduates across more than 100 areas of study, and more than 2,200 graduate students through 78 master’s and doctoral degree programs. At this comprehensive research university, students engage and conduct research with premiere teacher-scholars.

Miami contributes $2.3 billion annually to Ohio’s economy through innovative partnerships and job creation. The university is also home to 19 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams, serving more than 500 student-athletes. For more information, visit MiamiOH.edu.

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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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