MCPO & Partners Host Annual Morris County National Coming Out Day

Published on October 20, 2022

LGBTQ+ liaisons from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris Township Police Department, along with sponsors Atlantic Health System, edge (end discrimination gain equality), and gaamc (gay activist alliance in morris county) hosted the second annual Morris County National Coming Out Day from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2022 on Court Street, outside of the Morris County Administration and Records Building.

National Coming Out Day is coordinated to encourage and support LGBTQ+ individuals to “come out”, and is the unconditional commitment by law enforcement to build bridges with the LGBTQ+ community.  There was music, as well as food and beverages provided at no charge, to foster interaction between law enforcement and those in attendance. 

Welcome remarks were given by Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon. Others who also addressed attendees included: Detective Supervisor Stephanie Merced, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office LGBTQ+ liaison; Investigator Ashley Craig, Morris County Sheriff’s Office; Lieutenant Heather Glogolich, Morris Township Police Department; Aura K. Dunn, NJ State Assemblywoman; Nina Guercio, Atlantic Health Senior Diversity & Inclusion Manager; Amy Sampson, NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency; Detective Connor Johnson, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office; and Courtney Gould, Music for Hope.

Prosecutor Carroll stated, “Law enforcement exists to protect and serve everyone, regardless of one’s background or individuality. Unfortunately, there have been, and continues to be circumstances where people in certain communities, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, are hesitant to seek assistance from law enforcement.  Events, such as the Morris County National Coming Out Day, are intended to overcome any barriers between the public and law enforcement, so that we can provide the best possible service.”                                

Sheriff Gannon said, “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office continues to support the LGBTQ+ community.  Furthermore, we are proud to have a Liaison, LGBTQ Community Outreach Officer Sheriff’s Investigator Ashley Craig on our team, and thank her and all others who contributed during this event.” 

 

                                       [Det./Sup. Merced]                                                

                                            [Investigator Craig]

[L-R: Det. Johnson; Det./Sup. Merced; Assemblywoman Dunn; Courtney Gould; Investigator Craig; Lt. Glogolich]

[L-R: Officer Shauna Parker, Port Authority Police Dept.; Officer Mokram Mohammad, Port Authority Police Dept.; Investigator Craig; Senior Parole Officer Brenda Payne, NJ Division of Parole; Officer Thomas Wilson, NJ Dept. of Corrections; Officer Stacy Chiarolanza, Fairfield Police Department;  Senior Investigator Justine DiPaolo, NJ Dept. of Corrections; Det./Sup. Merced; Det. Johnson; Officer Patrick Reynolds, Fairfield Police Dept.; Lt. Glogolich]

Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to [email protected].