Morris County Honors Detective Captain Denise Thornton on Retirement
Published on March 27, 2026
Sheriff’s Officer Recognized for Leadership in Accreditation, Community Programs and Public Safety
Morris County today honored Detective Captain Denise Thornton of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, recognizing her retirement and more than 25 years of service during a walkout ceremony held at the Morris County Administration and Records Building.
Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw presented Thornton with a framed Resolution of Honor alongside Sheriff James M. Gannon, who recognized her service by presenting a retirement plaque and a commemorative plaque featuring an engraving of the historic Morris County Courthouse. Chief Warrants Officer Jack Ambrose delivered opening remarks detailing Thornton’s career, and Chief Sheriff’s Officer Aaron Tomasini also spoke about her contributions to the agency.
“You entered law enforcement as a police dispatcher at the start of a new millennium, in a world that had not yet experienced the events of September 11th -- a moment that would soon redefine public safety across the country,” said Commissioner Director Shaw. “That speaks to the perspective and resilience you brought from the very beginning. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, thank you for everything you’ve done for Morris County.”
View More Photos from the Walkout Retirement Ceremony
Thornton began her public safety career in 2000 as a police dispatcher with the Bernards Township Police Department, where she handled emergency calls during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She was sworn in as a Morris County Sheriff’s Officer in January 2002 after graduating from the Morris County Police Academy and went on to serve in a variety of roles throughout her career.
She advanced through the ranks as acting sergeant in 2011, sergeant in 2012, detective lieutenant in 2016 and detective captain in 2019. During her tenure, she contributed to the development of agency policies and procedures, oversaw training initiatives and supported programs including Project Lifesaver, CrimeStoppers and the Hope One/Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI).
“Dept. Capt. Thornton served on my transition team and helped guide the Sheriff’s Office through important organizational changes,” said Sheriff Gannon. “While her presence in uniform will be greatly missed, her impact will continue to be felt for years to come. We wish her a well-earned retirement filled with health, happiness and new adventures.”
As accreditation manager, Thornton led the Sheriff’s Office through multiple national reaccreditation processes. She also served as a public information officer and oversaw the Criminal Investigations Division, including Crime Scene Investigation, Evidence, Professional Standards and Community Outreach, supporting municipalities throughout Morris County. She is also graduate and instructor of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program.
In 2004, she completed specialized training in drug evaluation and classification and was recognized as class valedictorian -- the first female and first Sheriff's Officer to do so-- receiving the Sheriff’s Office Academic Excellence Award. Thornton graduated from Madison High School in 1996 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in criminal justice from Norwich University in 2000, where she served as chair of the Civilian Honor Council.
Thornton, a Randolph resident, lives with her husband, Scott, and their two children. In addition to her law enforcement career, she serves as a Randolph Township councilwoman, and is a past president and current trustee of the Ironia Ladies Auxiliary, as well as vice president of the Randolph Township Public Library Board of Trustees.
Randolph Township officials in attendance at the ceremony included Mayor Mark Forstenhausler, Deputy Mayor Lou Nisivoccia, Councilwoman Christine Carey and Councilman Joe Hathaway.
Morris County congratulates Det. Capt. Denise Thornton on her retirement and thanks her for her years of service to the Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Morris County.
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Photo 1: (l-r) Det. Capt. Denise Thornton and Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw.
Photo 2: Sheriff James M. Gannon and Det. Capt. Denise Thornton. Standing behind the sheriff is Undersheriff Mark S. Spitzer.
Photo 3: (l-r) Sheriff James M. Gannon, Det. Capt. Denise Thornton and Undersheriff Richard A. Rose.