Acting Prosecutor Knapp Names John R. Speirs Morris County Chief of Investigations
Published on March 01, 2013
Morris County Acting Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp has announced that Randolph resident, John R. Speirs will be appointed the Chief of Investigations officially effective April 1, 2013. He will be assuming the title on the retirement date of Chief William Schievella.
Speirs joined the Township of Boonton Police Department in August 1977 and attended the Morris County Police Academy, completing the Police Training Commission basic courses. He served the Township for 33 years as a law enforcement professional, rising through the ranks to the position of Police Chief in 2004. Chief Speirs was responsible for the leadership, management, budget, labor relations and risk management of the police department. As the lead member of the department, he maintained a cooperative and professional working relationship with the Township Administration, Departments and Divisions.
Chief Speirs, while a member of the Boonton Township Police Department, attended the County College of Morris, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
Throughout Chief Speirs' career, he held the following professional positions and responsibilities: NJ First Responder, Incident Command, Internal Affairs, OSHA, CERT Trainer, Crisis Negotiator, Bias Crimes Investigator, Interview and Interrogators of NJ, Morris County Crisis County Debriefing Team, Firearms Instructor, Motor Vehicle Accident Master Traffic Analyst, OC Aerosol Weapons Instructors Course, Police Work Zone Instructor, Crisis Negotiation, Accident Review Panel, MC Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Response Team, Pre-Event Planning, OEM Incident Command System 100-800, 2012 HSEEP Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.
In June of 1998, then Lieutenant Speirs was selected as a Commissioner to the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund, which is responsible for the oversight of all insurance matters for over 42 municipalities. His responsibilities included claims review, legal assignment and fund administration. Chief Speirs has successfully implemented numerous programs, workshops and seminars to reduce risk and train fund participants on safe and legal employment practices. The Chief established the LEIP (Law Enforcement Incentive Program) to provide grant funds to municipal departments interested in participating in the accreditation process, and in bringing best practice tools to their management team. Chief Speirs was also assigned as the liaison between the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund and the Morris County Chief's Association.
The Chief retired in December 2010 from the Boonton Township Police Department. Since his retirement John Speirs worked briefly for LeadingAge New Jersey (Princeton) as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for 241 members under a grant with Health Infrastructure and Preparedness System NJ Department of Health and Senior Services.
Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.