June 2026 New Hires
Published on June 02, 2026
The Morris County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce six new officers joined the ranks this week after graduating from the 106th Basic Police Training Class. Sheriff’s Officers Eric Distasi, Jordan Morris, Sean Whitteaker, Craig Brooks Jr., Brandon Mickelson, and Nicholas Taylor were sworn in alongside their families and friends while Sheriff Gannon issued the oath office.
Eric DiStasi
Eric grew up in Blairstown, New Jersey, where he still resides. He is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University with both bachelor's and master’s degrees in exercise science, earning Latin honors. He also holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice with honors from Sussex County Community College. Before entering law enforcement, Eric worked as a personal trainer and a strength coach for athletes. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, exercising, and playing with his pet Dalmatian. Eric is excited to begin his law enforcement career at the Morris County Sheriff's Office.
Jordan Morris
Jordan grew up in Roxbury, New Jersey, and graduated from Roxbury High School. She attended Monmouth University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and competed in Division I Track and Field, specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. While at Monmouth, Jordan received the National College Athlete Honor’s Society Award, which recognizes high academic and athletic achievements. After graduating from Monmouth University, Jordan began working as a support staff member at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. She started in the Records Department and later joined the Narcotics Unit before being hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys working out, cooking, and reading.
Craig Donte Brooks Jr.
Donte lives with his father in the town of Boonton. Growing up, Craig was an all-around athlete who played multiple sports over the years. Before starting his current career, he attended Montclair State University to pursue a degree in music technology and worked in food service. Outside of work, Craig enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing recreational sports, listening to music, running, and weightlifting.
Nicholas Taylor
Nicholas is from Madison, New Jersey, and currently lives there with his family. He graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and a minor in Psychology. While attending college full-time, Nicholas worked as a server at Bottle Hill Tavern in Madison, balancing both academics and employment.
After college, he began his law enforcement journey by applying to the Morris Police Academy as an alternate. When Nicholas isn’t working, he enjoys hiking, fishing, attending concerts, going to the gym, and, most importantly, spending time with his family and friends. Nicholas is grateful for the opportunity to work in a great department and is excited about his future at the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Sean Whitteaker
Sean grew up in Mt. Arlington, NJ, and still lives there. He graduated from Rutgers University in 2022 and has been a volunteer firefighter with the Mount Arlington Fire Department since November 2018. A former 2nd Lieutenant with the Fire Department, he also completed the Passaic County Academy EMT program in 2024. Sean previously worked in the Department of Public Safety at the County College of Morris. He is the recipient of a Chief's Award, the Most Valuable Firefighter Award, and the 2026 200 Club Meritorious Service Team Award for a 2025 Ice Rescue. Sean enjoys spending time outdoors and with family and friends.
Brandon Mickelsen
Brandon is from Blairstown, NJ, and now lives in Mendham, NJ, with his family. He served in the United States Marine Corps, traveling to numerous countries across Asia to conduct policing operations. He was also a certified “Special Reaction Team” member within the Marine Corps. Prior to law enforcement, Brandon was a self-employed contractor who performed numerous home improvements for his customers. Lastly, Brandon enjoys outdoor activities, from hunting and snowboarding to hiking and more.