Morris County Congratulates Cathy Burd on Retirement After 26 Years
Published on May 01, 2026
Assistant Director of Law & Public Safety Honored for Leadership and Lasting Impact
Morris County congratulates Cathy Burd on her retirement today following more than 26 years of dedicated service and leadership across multiple departments within Morris County government.
Burd, who most recently served as assistant director of Law & Public Safety, was recognized during a retirement luncheon held yesterday at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in Parsippany-Troy Hills, where county officials, colleagues past and present, and first responders from around the county gathered to celebrate her career.
“Each one of you has touched my life. I have the utmost respect for everyone who works for this county, and for all of you here, many of whom I have worked with at some level. To finish my career here in Law and Public Safety and to work with everyone in the Communications Center has truly been a blessing in my life. I am overwhelmed and humbled, and I thank you all for coming to wish me well today,” said Burd, who also expressed her gratitude to her husband and family for all their support throughout her career.
View More Photos from the Retirement Luncheon
Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers presented Burd with a framed Resolution of Honor, followed by Law & Public Safety Director Scott DiGiralomo and Sheriff James M. Gannon each presenting honors on behalf of their respective departments.
“It is a privilege to recognize our assistant director of Law and Public Safety as she retires from an exceptional career. When I joined the board, Cathy was in administration, and she was an invaluable resource: knowledgeable, generous with her time and always willing to explain complex issues with clarity and patience. She brought these same qualities to every role held in county government,” said Commissioner Myers. “Morris County is stronger and our employees better prepared because of her service. We will miss Cathy’s leadership.”
Burd began her career with Morris County in 1999 in the Personnel Division, bringing a background in finance and human resources. She was promoted to assistant director of Finance in 2000 and went on to serve in a series of managerial roles, director of Employee Resources and Risk Management; assistant county administrator; and director of operations, before becoming assistant director of Law & Public Safety in 2020.
In that role, Burd provided oversight and coordination for a wide range of critical county functions, including the Office of Emergency Management, Communications Center, Public Health Division, Medical Examiner’s Office, Weights and Measures, Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Public Safety Training Academy.
“For me, Cathy has always been a model of what you can do in public service,” said DiGiralomo. “We’ve known each other through work for more than 20 years, and over that time we became very good friends. I can’t fully explain what it means to have someone you trust implicitly in this line of work. Although she has been in the department for six years, the impact she made and the depth of knowledge she brought from across county government have been invaluable. Everyone here today is a testament to who she is and the relationships she built throughout her career.”
DiGiralomo also noted that Burd began her role at Law & Public Safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she played a key leadership role in maintaining essential county operations and helped oversee the development and implementation of the County College of Morris COVID-19 testing site, ensuring continuity of services during a period of unprecedented demand.
“I just want to take a few moments to thank you for your years of service. When I was in the Prosecutor’s Office and later as Sheriff, I can’t thank Cathy enough for what she has done for all of us -- in the Sheriff’s Office, across all bureaus, and throughout the Morris County community,” said Sheriff Gannon. “I often say that Morris County does it better, and that has a lot to do with people like Cathy Burd.”
Throughout her career, Burd was known for her humility, compassion and approachable leadership style, which helped foster strong working relationships across county departments and with municipal partners. She was recognized for her ability to encourage collaboration and support shared goals.
Burd’s career was also shaped by a strong commitment to family. She shared a close bond with her late brother, Larry, and sister, Carol, both of whom were disabled and remained important sources of inspiration throughout her life and career.
In retirement, Burd looks forward to spending time with her family, including her husband, children and five grandchildren, with a sixth grandchild expected in August.
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Photo 1: Commissioner Christine Myers (left) and Cathy Burd.
Photo 2: Cathy Burd and Scott DiGiralomo, director of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety.
Photo 3: Cathy Burd and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.