Morris Leader

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office marked its 200th anniversary with a celebratory dinner gala at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park. The event, held last night, was organized by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners to honor the office's long-standing commitment to law and public safety.

Commissioner Douglas Cabana, alongside the full Board of County Commissioners, presented a framed resolution of honor to Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and his leadership team. Commissioner Cabana stated, "Since 1824 the Prosecutor’s Office has been entrusted with promoting a safe and secure environment for Morris County, and I think we can all agree that they have done an exemplary job."

The gala was attended by representatives from U.S. Rep. Tom Kean and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's offices, Sheriff James Gannon, Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, and retired Appellate Court Judge Donald Collester among others. Judge Collester was Morris County’s first full-time prosecutor in 1971.

Established on December 11, 1823, following legislation passed by the New Jersey General Assembly requiring prosecutors to be attorneys appointed for five-year terms, the office has evolved over two centuries to meet changing community needs.

Prosecutor Carroll commented on their mission: "As the chief law enforcement agency serving a region that predates the founding of our nation... Our dedication to lawfulness is the cornerstone of our office’s mission."

Under Carroll's guidance since his appointment by Governor Phil Murphy in 2020, along with First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, the MCPO has maintained excellence in tackling significant criminal activities including solving cold cases like "Baby Mary" and addressing issues such as the opioid crisis.

Sheriff James Gannon emphasized community support stating, "Law enforcement cannot exist without community support." Commissioner Director Christine Myers remarked on this milestone: “Celebrating 200 years of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office is a remarkable milestone.”

This bicentennial celebration coincides with preparations for America250 celebrations in 2026 as noted by Myers who serves on Morris County’s 250th Anniversary Steering Committee.