News

Happy Chanukah!

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 22 and concludes the evening of Monday, Dec. 30. It commemorates the victory of a militarily weak Jewish people who defeated the Syrian Greeks who had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom. They also desecrated and defiled the Temple and the oils prepared for the lighting of the menorah, which was part of the daily service. Upon recapturing the Temple only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn for only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight. In commemoration, Jews celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum known as a menorah. Today, people of all faiths consider the holiday a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness.

Our hearts were broken when we heard of the tragic attack on a Jewish grocery store in Jersey City. 

The Lubavitcher Rebbe always taught us to find healing after tragedy by channeling our grief into positive actions. 

Take a moment to think of a practical way to make this world a better place. Put a smile on someone’s face. Be generous with your time and money to someone who needs it. Strengthen your relationship with G-d. Pray a little deeper. Do one more good deed you may not typically focus on. 

This world could use it. 

The message of Chanukah could never be more relevant: A little bit of light is often all it takes to chase away a lot of darkness.

Rabbi Levi Dubinsky, Chabad Jewish Center, Mountain Lakes | Boonton | Denville
James Gannon, Morris County Sheriff

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and the Sheriff’s K-9 unit will visit the Little Village Country Day School on Thursday, October 3.

Sheriff Gannon and his staff will be teaching the parents and students about safety and strangers, very important lessons.

https://morrisfocus.com/2019/09/28/sheriff-gannon-will-visit-little-village-country-day-school/

I am proud to partner with Morris County Crimestoppers and Table of Hope for our annual Beefsteak For Hope, raising funds for the Table of Hope - a place where hope starts, and the community gathers to share.  The Table of Hope is a community kitchen and food pantry for those in need.

Join us September 26, 6 PM at the Birchwood Manor - 111 N. Jefferson Rd., Whippany - $65 per person.  There will be a 50/50, raffles and more!

Click here for tickets, donations, and program ad space.

Hope to see you there -- if you can't make it, please consider a donation!

--Jim Gannon

(click image above to download the flyer to send in with your generous donations)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                

CONTACT:    Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco/ 973.927.2526
                   Sheriff James M. Gannon/ 973.285.6622
                   Chief Conrad Pepperman/ 973.627.1314
                   NJSPBA President Patrick Colligan/ 732.609.3554
                   NJSPBA Executive Director Marc Kovar/ 732.636.8860

January 9, 2019                                    

Randolph, N.J. – Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, LD-25 (Morris, Somerset), Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, the New Jersey State PBA and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association came together today to celebrate the collection of hundreds of stuffed bears for juveniles that law enforcement personnel encounter in the line of duty.   The "Feel Better Bears" program helps children feel better during emergencies, giving them a brand-new toy to hug during a time of need.

Left to Right: Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, New Jersey State PBA President Patrick Colligan, 
Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, Rockaway Police Chief Conrad Pepperman, New Jersey PBA Executive Director Marc Kovar

NJ State PBA President Patrick Colligan is enthusiastic over the difference the donations will make on the lives of children that receive them. “When dealing with emergency situations where a child is involved, having these toys will help an officer make a child feel safe.” I couldn’t be more proud to be involved with the program.”

“It seems most fitting that it is today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, that we celebrate such a special program.” said Assemblyman Anthony Bucco. “In addition to the daily acts of heroism our police officers perform, they also comfort these innocent children in very difficult situations. It really helps underscore what makes these men and women so special.”   

“The community support for this project was tremendous.” said Sheriff Jim Gannon. “I want to thank all the people that contributed to the program. I’m sure these bears will make a difference in the lives of a lot of children.”

“In situations like these, our officers are aware that there’re more to being a public servant than upholding laws. We are a part of the community, and always strive to make a difficult situation easier on children” said Chief Conrad Pepperman of Rockaway.

“As the President of the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, I am honored that Assemblyman Bucco has chosen to partner with our organization and our endeavors to support the Feel Better Bear Program”, said Chief Ciro Chimento. “Since this program directly affects our most innocent little ones, we appreciate Assemblyman Bucco’s compassion. We are happy to collaborate and know that this program will provide comfort to the children of Morris County”, he added.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 
CONTACT:        Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco/ 973.927.2526
                       Sheriff James M. Gannon/ 973.285.6622
                       NJSPBA President Patrick Colligan/ 732.609.3554


December 14, 2018  

Assemblyman Bucco and Sheriff Gannon's Offices are 
NJSPBA "Feel Better Bears" Drop Off Locations

Randolph, N.J. - Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, LD-25 (Morris, Somerset), Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, the New Jersey State PBA and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association are collaborating this holiday season by collecting teddy bears for juveniles that law enforcement personnel encounter in the line of duty.   They are calling them "Feel Better Bears" because police will make children feel better during emergencies, giving them brand-new bears to hug.

People are encouraged to donate new, unused stuffed animals.  Although the item does not have to be a bear, it should be of a reasonable size small enough to be held comfortably by a small child.  

The Feel Better Bears can be dropped off at the Office of Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco 1040 Route 10 West, Suite 104  Randolph, NJ 07869 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office, 56 Washington Street, Morristown, NJ 07963 now through December 31, 2018  to make a child feel better during a time of need.

The "Feel Better Bears" program is an opportunity for us to collect stuffed animals that will comfort those most vulnerable at extremely difficult times, said NJ State PBA President Patrick Colligan.  "We are grateful to Assemblyman Bucco, Sherriff Gannon and Chief Chimento for opening up their offices and using their positions to assist in this worth-while effort", he added.

"I am proud to open up my legislative office to be a drop off center for the Feel Better Bears program.  When Pat spoke to me about the PBA's effort, I jumped at the chance to help out," Bucco said.  "Especially at this time of year, we can gather donations and make a huge impact for those children in need," he added.

"I have been a police officer for decades and have seen first-hand the sadness and fear in the eyes of children. Our first contact with children can be life changing for them.  A Feel Better Bear will help to relieve a little of that fear, pain and sadness, said Sheriff Jim Gannon. "I am proud to have my office be a drop off location and lend my name to this wonderful program."  


"As the incoming President of the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, I am honored that Assemblyman Bucco has chosen to partner with our organization and our endeavors to support the Feel Better Bear Program", said Chief Ciro Chimento. "Since this program directly affects our most innocent little ones, we appreciate Assemblyman Bucco's compassion. We are happy to collaborate and know that this program will provide comfort to the children of Morris County", he added. 

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Only 17 security executives and industry leaders in America made the cut

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sheriff Jim Gannon

Morristown, September 7, 2018 – Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon earned national recognition from Security magazine as one of 2018’s Most Influential People in Security, joining just 16 fellow top security executives and industry leaders in America who are positively impacting the security field, their organization, their peers, and the national and global security landscape.

“It is always humbling to be recognized by your peers and fellow professionals who understand the incredibly complex and sophisticated world of security in today’s day and age,” said Sheriff Gannon.  “I have been incredibly blessed to work with so many elite men and women in law enforcement and corporate security over the years.  They share this award with me.  It’s a tough business made up of tough individuals.  To be recognized in their company is a true honor.”

Prior to becoming Morris County Sheriff in January 2017, Gannon was the Global Head of Security Risk for Novartis following a decorated career in law enforcement.  Sheriff Gannon served in the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Newark and investigated sensitive international terrorism and national security matters.  He also worked in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, climbing the ranks from Detective to Deputy Chief of Investigations, eventually starting the Morris County Cold Case Unit in 2003, co-authoring the “Morris County Counter-Terrorism Task Force Manual,” and leading a team of police officers into New York City to assist with the PENTTBOMB Investigation on 9/11.

Security magazine said the following about Sheriff Gannon and his fellow honorees: “These security leaders have been nominated by their colleagues and associates and were chosen based upon their leadership qualities and overall positive impact on stakeholders, enterprises, colleagues, constituents and the general public.”

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Delighted to share this press release from Bob Hugin's Senatorial campaign!

Sheriff Gannon, Hugin Address Opioid Crisis
 

ROCKAWAY, NJ — Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and U.S. Senate Candidate Bob Hugin met to discuss the opioid crisis crippling communities across New Jersey. Sheriff Gannon and Hugin also toured the mobile recovery access vehicle, known as HOPE ONE, which offers critical support for people struggling with addiction and strives to prevent drug overdoses and deaths.

“The opioid crisis has become personal for far too many New Jerseyans, but it’s organizations like CARES that are truly making a difference in our communities,” said Hugin. “Resources like HOPE ONE and leaders like Sheriff Gannon, are giving people struggling with drug addiction hope. I strongly support their efforts, but we can and must do more to continue reducing the stigma about the opioid crisis and to encourage people to seek the help they need. As Senator, I look forward to ensuring Washington is working in partnership with Trenton and our local communities to provide the resources and tools needed here in New Jersey to effectively address this crisis.”

The Sheriff’s Community Services Unit operates HOPE ONE in partnership with the Morris County Department of Human Services, the Mental Health Association of Morris County, and Morris County Prevention is Key’s Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES). CARES works to engage and organize the recovery community by helping individuals find, maintain, and enhance their recovery experience through peer support, educational and volunteer opportunities, and sober recreation, as well as working to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse through advocacy, education, and service.

“To effectively address and deal with the opioid crisis, we need to have the proper resources to ensure people dealing with drug addiction get the help they need. In addition to resources like HOPE ONE and organizations like CARES, the Federal Government and Trenton need to be partners in addressing this problem,” said Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. “As Senator, I know that Bob Hugin will be a leader in ensuring our local communities have an able and willing partner in Washington to continue combatting this crisis.

HOPE ONE travels twice a week to locations throughout Morris County, bringing services to people in need. A Sheriff’s officer, licensed clinician, and a certified peer recovery specialist — who understand the needs of those suffering with addiction — staff the vehicle.

Bob Hugin, a Marine Corps Veteran and business leader who has created thousands of New Jersey jobs, is running for U.S. Senate against incumbent Senator Bob Menendez. For more information visit bobhugin.com.

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MORRISTOWN, N.J. – A local businessman and long-time member of the 200 Club of Morris County, a non-profit organization that supports area public safety personnel, has been elected president of the group.

Mount Olive resident William Lockwood, Marketing Executive with The Padded Wagon Moving and Storage, has been involved with the 200 Club for many years, most recently as senior vice president. He has been involved with many facets of the organization’s operations, including recruiting new members and increasing public awareness of the group. The 200 Club reported that its membership rolls exceeded 1,000 members for the first time in several years.

"It is a courageous individual that answers the call in the middle of the night to help someone in need. Whether it's a weekend, weekday or a holiday, our First Responders are there protecting our families every day of the year!" said Lockwood. “This organization pays tribute to them with our members support.”

He succeeds James Gannon, Morris County Sheriff, who is now the chairman of the board.

Other officers elected included Jim Rizzo, senior vice president; Lori Hager, senior vice president; Joe Marts, vice president; Robert D’Emidio, vice president; Damien Paumi, treasurer; John Corigliano, assistant treasurer; and Ronald Barnett, secretary.

 Trustees include Chairman of the Board James Gannon, Susan Ceravolo, Joseph Jannarone, Jr., Peter Kenny, Todd Leonard, John Mania, Dennis Patrick, Janet Rapisardi, Michelle Slapa, and Frank Zupa.

Since its inception in 1971, the 200 Club of Morris County has distributed more than $4.5 million in benefits to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services workers and their families. Benefits take the form of survivor benefits to the families who have lost a spouse who was a first-responder and scholarships that have been awarded to children of emergency workers in Morris County. The organization also recognizes the heroic actions of those who keep the public safe and secure.

Information about membership in the 200 Club and its various programs is available at www.200clubofmorriscounty.com or by calling 973-630-7933.

Table of Hope and the Spring Street Community Development Center of Morristown would like to bring awareness to their annual appeal for donations, volunteers, and needed items.

Here are ways you can assist and help from the flyer which you can download by clicking here.

From The Table of Hope and the Spring Street CDC

Ways to Give

•Call Mary Wortman at 973-998-9330 and schedule a time to volunteer- guaranteed to make you feel good and she gives great hugs!

•Write a check payable to Spring Street CDC and specify Table of Hope in the memo

•Give through PayPal @ www.springstreetcdc.org

•Payroll deduction through your employer

How You Can Help

Cash donations: With cash, we are able to purchase food and supplies and pay staff. We can buy food from the Food Bank of New Jersey at a cost that is much lower than the grocery store.

Volunteer: Our volunteers provide critical help – serving the meals, driving our van, making phone calls, general office work, small maintenance issues, and lots of other things! Email Teresa at [email protected] if you can help.

Host an Evening: Get together after work with your colleagues to serve a dinner to our guests! Our Host an Evening program provides a unique opportunity for your company to get involved while giving back to the community. Your donation of $1,000 covers the cost of opening the doors and serving all of our guests for that evening. You and your team will jump right in to get the meal on the table and you’ll see first-hand the difference your generosity makes.

Collect needed items: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, coats, and blankets.

Leverage Your Donation: Many employers will match your donation – please check with your employer to obtain the proper forms to submit to leverage your gift.

Pledge Securities, Property, or thru Planned Giving: Remember us. If you are a supporter, please consider leaving a bequest for Spring Street CDC in your will.

PART OF MAJOR SHAKEUP OF GREYSTONE REVIEW BOARD BY GOV. CHRISTIE

Jan. 11, 2018
County of Morris
Official News Release

For Immediate Release

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon has been appointed by Gov. Chris Christie to the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital Board of Trustees, as part of a complete overhaul of the state hospital’s review board.

“I take this appointment very seriously and plan to work very hard on behalf of the patients from Morris County and across North Jersey who have ended up at Greystone due to severe mental illness,’’ said Sheriff Gannon.

“Those patients – who are our family members and friends and neighbors and co-workers -- count on the staff and administration of this hospital to provide the best care possible and in a most secure setting.  I look forward to working with the other trustees to make sure they get the care they deserve.’’

Also appointed by the Governor to the Greystone Board of Trustees are:

• Michele Brown of Mendham, who was Gov. Christie’s Appointments Counsel and headed the state Economic Development Authority;
• Wayne Hasenbalg of Randolph, who is CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Christie;
• Morris Township Mayor Bruce Sisler;
• Attorney Louis Modugno, a partner in the McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter law firm;
• Jim DiGiulio of Chatham, who is Chief Counsel to Gov. Christie.
• Peter Simon of Jersey City; Chief of Staff to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Greystone, which is located in Parsippany, houses more than 500 patients in a relatively new state facility that replaced an ancient hospital campus that was constructed in the 1800s and early 1900s. There have been reports of complaints in recent months by mental health advocates and some board members about a lack of patient safety in the hospital.

Gov. Christie in December announced a contract with New Solutions, a health-consulting firm in New Brunswick, to perform an assessment of the situation at Greystone and all state psychiatric hospitals.

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