James Michael Gannon
for Morris County Sheriff

Background Highlights and Resume

 

 

Dynamic and accomplished Law Enforcement and Security Executive with over forty years’ experience interacting with local, state, federal and international law enforcement and intelligence communities. Proven ability to maintain operational security under complex conditions. Balanced combination of investigative expertise, management and leadership experience with excellent communication skills. Diplomatic demeanor, building cooperative relationships with entire team and government partners in coordinating effective programs. Highly organized, directing many projects at once while attending to all details. Successful in high-level National Security and other Intelligence investigations. Recognized expert in Major Case Management with extensive domestic and international training experience. Demonstrated expertise in the following: Public Speaking/ Relations, Supervision/Motivation, Inter-Agency Liaison, Interviewing/ Interrogation, Strategic Investigations, Evidence Gathering, Intelligence Collection & Analysis, Utilization of Confidential Human Sources, Anti-Terrorism Techniques, Electronic Investigations, Undercover Investigations, Death Investigations, Major Case Investigations, Narcotic Investigations, Product Security, Supply Chain Security , Extremism & Risk Investigations and Due Diligence investigations.

 

As Morris County Sheriff, has developed the following innovative programs within the Bureau of Law Enforcement and Bureau of  Corrections without an increase to personnel: School Safety Initiative (RSVP-3), Hope One, Hope Hub, Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI), Community Connections, Hope Wing, Successful Transition And Reentry (STAR), Marine Patrol, Motors Squad, Special Operations Group (SOG), Emergency Service Unit (ESU), HERCULES, MCSTAT (Morris County Sheriff’s Trends & Analysis Team), Cold Case Unit, Narcotics Task Force, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, FBI Human Trafficking Task Force, Crime Lab, Ballistics, Digital Media Unit, Special Investigations, Family Justice Center, along with the absorption of the Morris County Park Police in 2022 to form our Patrol Division,  along with entering into an agreement with Sussex County Sheriff to house all there inmates for an additional revenue stream of at least $1.75 MM annually.

 

National Security Clearance

 

Top Secret (SCI Access)                                                                          January 2006 to present

United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

Global Entry Trusted Traveler, Membership # 982087048                   July 2011 to present

United States Customs and Border Protection

 

State of New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (NJSA 2C:39-6L)     January 2008 to present

SBI# 68508B

                       

 

Summary of Experience

 

Morris County Sheriff                                                                    January 2017 – present

                                           

Sheriff’s Association of New Jersey, President                              2020- 2022

 

200 Club of Morris County, President                                           2016-2017

Chairperson of the Board                                                                2018- 2019

 

Board of Trustees                                                                             2018- present

Boy Scouts of America

Patriots Path Council

 

Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman                                                 2018 - present

Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital

Board of Trustees                                                                             2018 - present

Table of Hope

Morristown, NJ

 

County College of Morris                                                                  2017- present

Criminal Justice Advisory Board

 

County College of Morris                                                                  2019- present

Paramedic Science Advisory Board

 

Ramapo College                                                                                   2020- present

Social Work Community Advisory Board

 

Centenary College                                                                                2016

Hackettstown, NJ

Adjunct Professor

 

Novartis Corporation                                                June 11, 2014 to December 31, 2015

Corporate Security Department, East Hanover, NJ

Global Head, Security Risk

Responsible for Product Security (Anti-Counterfeiting, Theft and Illegal Diversion), Due Diligence (Business Intelligence and Background Screening) & Extremism Risk globally.

 

Novartis Corporation                                                            January 10, 2013 to June 10, 2014

Corporate Security Department, Morristown, NJ

Global Head, Extremism Risk & Due Diligence

Responsible for Extremism Risk and Due Diligence responsibilities globally.

 

Novartis Corporation                                                       January 1, 2010 to January 10, 2013                   

Corporate Security Department, Morristown, NJ

Director of Extremism & Risk Investigations

Responsible for Extremism & Risk Investigations (North America & South America) and with providing oversight and the development of Freight Security Requirements and the application of Technologies to our Supply Chain. Specializing in Physical and Technical Security Countermeasures and Access Control.

 

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation                            April 14, 2008 to December 31, 2009                

Security Department, East Hanover, NJ

Associate Director of Investigations & Compliance

 Responsible for Corporate Investigations on all Novartis Pharmaceuticals campuses in the United States; Background Investigations, Compliance with all state and federal licensing requirements along with the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA) and DEA Regulations; investigations pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Emergency Management Team and with providing Physical and Technical Security to our Supply Chain.

                                                                         

Federal Bureau of Investigation                                  November 7, 2005 to December 31, 2007

Joint Terrorism Task Force, Squad CT-6

Newark, New Jersey

Task Force Officer

Deputized United States Marshal

Investigate sensitive International Terrorism and other National Security matters. Daily interaction with federal, state, county and local law enforcement partners, intelligence community partners, Legal Attaché’s throughout the world and members of the international law enforcement and intelligence communities. Managed multiple International Terrorism investigations involving numerous FBI Field Offices and the intelligence community. These matters involved the utilization of sophisticated techniques, the handling of confidential human sources and the coordination of intelligence received from foreign agencies.

 

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office                                        March 1986 to December 31, 2007

Records and Administration Building

P.O. Box 900

Morristown, NJ 07963

Deputy Chief of Investigations

Nearly 22 years of experience in a premier agency serving a wealthy, professional, suburban community of over 500,000 residents and home to many Fortune 500 companies.  Promoted from Detective to Supervisor, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief of Investigations. Samplings of career highlights include the following:

 

• Commander- FuncoLand Homicide Task Force. This case led to the arrest of three defendants responsible for the murder of two young men during a $10,000 robbery.
• Commander- Walter Contreras Homicide Task Force. This case led to the arrest of one defendant responsible for the kidnapping, rape and murder of a 10-year-old boy.
• Integral role in the investigation of over 120 homicides and has consulted on many major case investigations throughout the world.
• Started the Morris County Cold Case Unit in 2003. This included the development of policies and procedures along with the formation of a successful Task Force of subject matter experts.
• Coordinated the arrest of three defendants in possession of 570 kilograms of Cocaine.
• Co-authored the “Morris County Counter-Terrorism Task Force Manual”. This included the involvement of our partners in the private sector with expertise to assist us in combating the war on terrorism.
• Successfully conducted threat assessments, vulnerability studies and security planning for major events in Morris County.
• On September 11, 2001, led a team of police officers into New York City to assist with the PENTTBOMB Investigation. Established a Command Post, interviewed survivors, deployed Search and Rescue Teams and other tasks as requested by the NYPD and the FBI. Established a hybrid team (WMDAT: Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team) of Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office who were assigned to the FBI Evidence Response Team, Newark Division. This team was operational 24 hours a day for eight days and conducted a number of critical search warrants in Passaic and Hudson Counties as well as evidence examinations at the landfill in Staten Island. Furthermore, I was responsible for the Missing Persons investigations involving the death of 58 Morris County residents on 9/11/2001. In the fall of 2001, oversaw over 325 “unknown white powder” (suspected Anthrax) investigations and the assignment and monitoring of over 400 investigative leads that were maintained in the Rapid Start data base. This lead information was routinely shared with the FBI.
• Member of the 1992-Kidnapped Exxon Executive Sidney Reso Investigative Team with Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

Boonton Police Department                                                            January 1984 to March 1986

100 Washington Street

Boonton, New Jersey 07005

Patrolman

Assigned to the Patrol Division.  Duties involved patrol via walking beat, motor vehicle and motorcycle. This assignment included the response to crimes in progress, medical assists and routine patrol. Also assigned to supplement the Detective Bureau.

 

Boonton Township Police Department                                           January 1983 to January 1984

Powerville Road

Boonton Township, New Jersey 07005

Patrolman

Assigned to the Patrol Division. Duties involved patrol via motor vehicle. Assignment included the response to crimes in progress, medical assists and routine patrol.

 

Professional Affiliations

 

• The Rotary Club of Mental Health Advocates, Charter Member (2023)
• Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town (2021-present)
• State Advisory Boards on Use of Force, K-9 Reform, Body Worn Cameras and Judiciary Committee on Mental Health (2020- present)
• President - 200 Club of Morris County (2016-2017). Former - Trustee, Action Committee, Valor & Meritorious Awards Committee and Master of Ceremonies.
• National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), Board of Directors (2012-2013)
• RAND Corporation, working group on “Cold Cases”.
• FBI National Academy Associates (169^th Session)
• Harvard Associates in Police Science, Past President and Active Member
• International Homicide Investigators Association
• New Jersey Homicide Investigator’s Association
• International Association of Chiefs of Police
• American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
• New Jersey State PBA # 327, Life Member
• Emerald Society of the State of New Jersey, Morris County Chapter # 3 (co-founder)
• Police Pipe & Drums of Morris County (Drum Major)
• Cambridge’s Who’s Who
• Strathmore’s Who’s Who
• Who’s Who of Professionals
• Outstanding Young Men of America
• 1983-1984 – Member, Morris County Mental Health Players

 

Awards

• Recipient of the following police medals: Meritorious Service, Exceptional Duty, Honorable Service, Gallantry Star, Grand Cordon, Educational Achievement, Good Conduct and numerous Prosecutor Command Citations.
• 2023- Recipient of the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (NJNEOA) 2023 “Sheriff of The Year” Award.
• 2022- Recipient of the 2022 Alex DeCroce Public Leadership Award by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
• 2022- Recipient of the Excellence Award from the Mental Health Association.
• 2021- Turning Point Honor of Distinction.
• 2021- Halos For Angels Inc. Award
• 2019- Patriotic Employer Award for Contributing to National Security and Protecting Liberty and Freedom by Supporting Employee Participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
• 2019- Certificate of Appreciation, Boy Scouts of America, Outstanding Contribution to the success of Leadership Excellence Direct Results 2019.
• 2018- Recipient of the Most Influential People in Security Award by Security Magazine.
• 2018- Recipient of George Gramby Humanitarian Award.
• 2018- CARES/MCPIK Award for Unrelenting Support, Innovative Thinking and Calls to Action to Help those Suffering from the Impact of Addiction.
• 2018- Recipient of Community Partnership Award from the Newark Police Department.
• 2018- Recipient of Award for Leadership, Dedication & Devoted Service by Islamic Center of Morris County.
• 2018- Recipient of Award for support of the Ukrainian Community.
• 2017- Recipient of Thought Leader Award by Security Magazine.
• 2017- Honoree, Daytop Classic
• 2017- Borough of Kinnelon Key to the Borough” presented by Mayor Robert Collins.
• 2017- Recipient of Award from the Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition.
• 2017- Recipient of County of Morris Stigma Free recognition.
• 2017- Recipient of Award for Hope One by Mrs. NY America.
• 2014- Recipient of the Novartis Corporate Security Extremis Risk Team Award.
• 2013- Recipient of award and designation of Honorary Morris County Police Chief from Morris County Police Chief’s Association.
• 2011- Recipient of the Novartis Corporate Security Outstanding Achievement Award.
• 2011- Recipient of the Irish Heritage Award for Leadership and Professional Accomplishments of the Irish, Morris County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office.
• 2011- “Cambridge’s Who’s Who” recognition.
• 2010- Recipient of the 2010 Executive Office for United States Attorneys’ (EOUSA) Director's Award for “Superior Performance by a Litigative Team”. This was the result of the arrest and conviction of numerous defendants of the Foreign Terrorist Organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), commonly referred to as the “Tamil Tigers”. Eric Holder, United States Attorney General, presented this award. 
• 2010- Inducted into the Boonton (NJ) High School Hall of Fame.
• 2010- County College of Morris Foundation, Alumni Humanitarian Award “In Recognition of Humanitarian Dedication and Service to Society”.
• 2010- State of New Jersey, Joint Legislative Resolution from NJ Senate and General Assembly for County College of Morris Foundation Alumni Humanitarian Award.
• 2009-2010- “Strathmore’s Who’s Who” recognition
• 2008- Boy Scouts of America, Patriots Path Council Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2008- Honored by Resolution and/or Award from NJ Senate, NJ General Assembly, Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Morris County Prosecutor, Morris County Sheriff, Boonton Fire Department, Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, New Jersey State PBA, and the Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County.
• 2007 – Mountain Lakes Police Department Citizen Achievement Award.
• 2006-2007 – “Who’s Who of Professionals” recognition.
• 2004- Morris County Detectives Association “Detective of the Year Award”, (FuncoLand Homicide Task Force)
• 2004-Morris County 200 Club Meritorious Award recipient for Commanding the FuncoLand Homicide Task Force.
• 2004- American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Award as Commander of the FuncoLand Homicide Task Force.
• 2003- Morris County Prosecutor’s Commendation for leading the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Unit in the arrest of 3 defendants and the seizure of 575 kilograms of Cocaine.
• 2002- Morris County Detective’s Association “Detective of the Year Award” (Contreras Homicide)
• 2002-Awarded Honorary Membership in the Boonton Fire Department
• 2001- Mountain Lakes Police Department Citizen of the Year Award for leadership during 9/11/2001.
• 1999- Morris County Detectives Association Special Recognition Award - Homicide
• 1999- Morris County Detectives Association Certificate of Recognition “For Excellence in the Field of Criminal Investigation” ( Salierno Homicide)
• 1997- “Who’s Who of Professionals” recognition
• 1990- New Jersey State Robbery Investigators Association Award (O’Boyle Homicide)
• 1989 -Morris County Detectives Association “Detective of the Year Award” (Hall Homicide)
• 1987- Morris County Prosecutor’s Command Citation- St. v. Ralph DeChiara.
• 1986-Morris County Prosecutor’s Commendation – St. v. Gregory Bennett
• 1985-“Outstanding Young Men of America” recognition
• Qualified semi-anually for the last 38 years in the proficient use of assorted firearms consistent with the NJ Attorney General’s directives.
• Many letters of commendation from fellow police officers, outside law enforcement agencies and members of the community.

 

Guest Lecturer

Presenter at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Advanced Criminal Investigation Seminar, the annual New Jersey State Police Annual Homicide Investigation Seminar at Princeton University, The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Effective Death Investigation and Sex Crimes Investigations Seminars, along with others.

 

Department of Justice International Training Missions

Presenter at a 40-hour Major Case Management Seminar cooperatively with the United States of America, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation in the following locations:

 

• 1996- Moscow, Russia- Death Investigation, Gun Shot Wounds, Time of Death and Case Management to the Russian Federation Police (MVD).
• 1998- St. Petersburg, Russia- Death Investigation, Gun Shot Wounds, Time of Death, Organized Crime in America and Major Case Management to the Russian Federation Police (MVD)
• 2000- Kiev, Ukraine- Death Investigation, Gun Shot Wounds, Time of Death, Organized Crime in America and Major Case Management to the Ukrainian National Police.
• 2002-Pretoria, South Africa - Effective Death Investigation, Time of Death, Crime Scene Management, Contract Murder Investigations, Major Case Management and Police Involved Shooting Investigations to the South African Police Service (S.A.P.S). The delegation also evaluated homicide and crime scene preservation protocols and consulted on homicides occurring in South Africa.
• 2002-Budapest, Hungary-presented a Homicide Investigation Seminar to the Bulgarian National Police at the International Law Enforcement Academy. I presented blocks of instruction on Effective Death Investigation Protocol, Contract Murder Investigation, Child Abduction Response Planning and DNA Evidence.
• 2002- Bangkok, Thailand- presented a Major Case Management Seminar to the Royal Thai Police. I presented blocks of instruction on Major Case Management, Effective Death Investigation, Investigative Technologies, Child Abduction Response Planning, Time of Death, DNA, Contract Murder Investigation and Managing Chaos. The delegation also evaluated and consulted on violent crimes occurring in Thailand.
• 2003-Bangkok, Thailand- presented a Major Case Management Seminar to the Ministry of Justice. The delegation evaluated the Ministry’s new position in law enforcement nationwide.

 

Other International Missions

 

• In 2004 “Freedom House”, an NGO contracted me to travel to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In Tashkent, I investigated a death in police custody along with a former United States Ambassador and a Forensic Pathologist from Canada. The investigative findings were then presented at the United States Department of State.
• In 2008 “Institute for New Democracies”, an NGO contracted me to travel back to Uzbekistan. I met with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Supreme Court, Prosecutor’s Office, national police department and other Uzbekistan government leaders. I then presented at a Human Rights seminar on matters involving National Security vs. Civil Liberties, Team Investigations and International Investigative Protocols.

 

Other Public Service

 

• 1980-1983 – Member & 1^st Lieutenant, Boonton Kiwanis Ambulance Squad, serving Boonton, Boonton Township and Mountain Lakes.

 

• 1976-1979 – Member, Boonton Township Fire Service, Boonton Township, NJ.

 

Educational Background

 

Accredited Chief Executive (ACE) – Advanced                                        November 7, 2019

Certificate # ACE COP Advanced 2019-0055

New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police

 

Certificate, National Sheriff’s Institute                                                     September 2019

115 ^th Session

Aurora, Colorado

 

Master of Administrative Science                                                                           May 2005

Fairleigh Dickinson University                                                 

Teaneck, NJ

 

Certificate in Supervisory Management                                                              March 1997

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey

 

Certificate, Federal Bureau of Investigation                                                      June 1992

FBI National Academy - 169^th. Session

Quantico, Virginia

 

University of Virginia                                                                                          June 1992

Richmond, VA.                                                                        

Graduate studies in Public Administration

 

Jersey City State University                                                                                January 1985   

Jersey City, NJ

Graduate studies in Public Administration         

 

 Police Training Certification as a Police Officer,                                                 August 1983

 Morris County Firefighters & Police Training Academy

 President of the 20^th Basic Class and the recipient of the

 Scholastic Award.

 

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Administration                                          May 1983

William Paterson University

Wayne, New Jersey

 

Associates in Science, Law Enforcement                                                                          May 1981

County College of Morris

Randolph, New Jersey