Morris County Law Enforcement Hosts First MC National Coming Out Day

Published on October 13, 2021

A collaboration with LGBTQ+ liaisons from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morristown Police Department, the first annual Morris County National Coming Out Day was held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 outside of the Morris County Administration and Records Building. Morris County organized the event through its commitment to building bridges between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.

Welcome proclamations were given by Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. Additional remarks were made by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Stephanie Merced and Morris County Sheriff’s Officer Investigator Ashley Craig. Keynote speakers were Middlesex County Department of Corrections & Youth Services Chief Investigator David L. D’Amico, Morristown Police Officers Connor Johnson, State Senator Anthony Bucco, and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “We trust the message that goes out is that law enforcement welcomes all to our profession. To be effective and indeed protective, law enforcement should reflect the community it serves. Our nation is moving in that direction, but it is a slow process that must continue. We recognize those leaders who have demonstrated the courage and perseverance to carry the flags of diversity, even when too often, it has not been welcome to do so. Today we specifically mark a victory over stigma and implicit and explicit discrimination that have challenged so many in the LGBTQ+ community for too long. I also need to acknowledge those LGBTQ+ liaison officers who worked hard to bring this event together.”

Sheriff Gannon said, “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office supports the LGBTQ+ community and is proud to have a New Jersey LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaison, Sheriff’s Investigator Ashley Craig.”

Annually observed on October 11, National Coming Out Day is intended to support LGBTQ+ individuals and sometimes individuals outside the LGBTQ+ community to “come out.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at [email protected] or by phone at 973-829-8159.